Meeting the Surgeon-- Dr. Clarence Greene

waiting for the Dr. to come in to meet us!

Today, we met the neurosurgeon that we will performing the surgery. He was great! Very funny, down to earth, compassionate, knowledgeable and very informative. He explained everything so precisely and made both Johnny and I feel completely at ease (who knew I could actually be calm lol)! He basically gave Johnny and I the choice of which procedure we would like! There are two types to correct the problem... the first and oldest procedure is what he called "the ear to ear incision". He told his that he has successfully done this procedure "oodles" of times! Basically they will cut an incision in a wavy pattern from one ear to the other and pull the scalp all the way forward to the fontenelle (soft spot) and all the way back to the end of the saggital suture. They would then remove the suture that has fused by simply cutting it out! He would then fracture the skull on both sides to allow extra room for growth. Incision would heal in approximately 7-10 days and the holes in the skull would close within 12-24 weeks! No helmet therapy would be required! The second type of surgery would be the endoscopic, which is a newer procedure. There would be two small incisions 1-2 inches long on the front and back of his head. Then an endoscope would be place in the incision and will remove the saggital suture. Helmet therapy would be required for 23 hours a day for a minimum of 6 months!!! I reluctantly chose the "ear to ear" surgery because that is what I felt more comfortable with. He explained that with the endoscopic that there is a higher chance of needing additional surgery, where as the "ear to ear" would show immediate results and should not require any additional correction! We began to discuss dates for the operation and I said the sooner the better! He told us that he would perform it before August 25th, whenever scheduling could fit us in! He assured us that this is very common and he has done this procedure successfully, and to try not to worry. I laughed lol! Me, w o r r y!! never! So, now we wait.. for the call!