Short summary

The aim of this study is to examine if patients who have undergone intracranial tumor removal surgery are satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the cranioplasty. This is with the purpose of determining if we need to optimize how we perform the cranioplasty.

Rationale

When closing after an intracranial tumor removal, surgeons perform af cranioplast. In both Odense and Aalborg, the cranioplasty is done by inserting the earlier removed cranial plate and tightening it with rails and screws. This procedure will leave behind a gap between the cranial plate and the cranium and will resolve in a small slit around the cranial plate where the skin might submerge. An alternative and more expensive option is to use cranial cement to close the gap between the cranial plate and the rest of the cranium. We would like to investigate if the appearance of the skull tends to be a problem for the patients.

Description of the cohort

All first-time patients who have undergone craniotomy surgery to remove an intracranial tumor (e.g. meningioma, glioma, mestastasis etc.) in the neurosurgical departments of Aalborg University Hospital and Odense University Hospital will be invited to participate in this study.

Data and biological material

A questionnaire will be used to gather information on the level of satisfaction of the cranioplasty. This will include questions on the level of contentment with the appearance of the scar, general cosmetic satisfaction, complications as a consequence of the cranioplasty and alterations in facial appearance. Furthermore, we will collect data on tumortype, surgery procedure and approach.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital

• Consultant, professor Frantz Rom Poulsen, PhD

Department of Neurosurgery, Aalborg University Hospital

• Professor Carsen R. Bjarkam, PhD