First-Ever Strip Craniectomy Performed in Southwest Florida

A strip craniectomy was recently performed in Southwest Florida – a first for the region. Stetson Labelle was born with sagittal craniosynostosis, a condition in which the growth center of the skull fuses together. At just 3 months old, he underwent corrective surgery. “We place two small incisions in the skull and remove that bone using both endoscopic techniques and direct vision,” said David Lobb, M.D., craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon at Pediatrix® Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists. “In other words, we used a telescope to look under the skin so we could actually see the portions of the bone that were diseased and remove just those,” said Dr. Lobb. This less invasive approach had not been performed locally before Stetson’s case. “Back before these services were available in the area, patients would have to travel hours away for this kind of care,” said Dr. Lobb.

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