Proposal for establishment of the UK Cranial Reconstruction Registry (UKCRR)

Abstract

Background. The increasing utilisation of decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury and stroke has led to an increase in the number of cranioplasties undertaken. Cranioplasty is also undertaken following excision of tumours originating from or invading the skull vault, removal of bone flaps due to post-operative infection, and decompressive craniectomy for the management of rarer causes of brain oedema and/or refractory intracranial hypertension. The existing literature which mainly consists of single-centre, retrospective studies, shows a significant variation in practice patterns and a wide range of morbidity. There also exists a need to measure the outcome as perceived by the patients themselves with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs; functional outcome, quality of life, satisfaction with cosmesis). In the UK, the concept of long-term surveillance of neurosurgical implants is well established with the UK shunt registry. Based on this background, we propose to establish the UK Cranial Reconstruction Registry (UKCRR). Aim. The overarching aim of the UKCRR is to collect high-quality data about cranioplasties undertaken across the UK and Ireland in order to improve outcomes for patients. Methods. Any patient undergoing reconstruction of the skull vault with autologous bone, titanium, or synthetic material in participating units will be eligible for inclusion. Data will be submitted directly by participating units to the Outcome Registry Intervention and Operation Network secure platform. A Steering Committee will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and running of the UKCRR. Outcome measures. These will include re-operation due to a cranioplasty-related issue, surgical site infection, re-admission due to a cranioplasty-related issue, unplanned post-operative escalation of care, adverse events, length of stay in admitting unit, destination at discharge from admitting unit, mortality at discharge from admitting unit, neurological status and PROMs during routine follow-up. Conclusion. The UKCRR will be an important pillar in the ongoing efforts to optimise the outcomes of patients undergoing cranioplasty.

Keywords::

• cranioplasty
• decompressive craniectomy
• stroke; surveillance
• traumatic brain injury

Declaration of interest: Angelos Kolias is supported by a Royal College of Surgeons of England Research Fellowship (funded by the Freemasons and the Rosetrees Trust), a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Academic Clinical Fellowship, and a Raymond and Beverly Sackler Studentship. Antonio Belli is supported by the NIHR and heads the neurotrauma research theme of the NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre. Paul Brennan holds a Clinical Lectureship, Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training Programme. Peter Hutchinson is supported by an NIHR Research Professorship, the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre and has been appointed as the Surgical Specialty Lead for Neurosurgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England Clinical Research Initiative.

Mark Wilson and Peter Hutchinson have delivered lectures sponsored by Codman. Mark Wilson has co-ordinated London Neurotrauma Group meetings sponsored by Codman. The launch meeting of the British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative was supported by an educational grant from Codman UK.

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.