Pediatric craniofacial reconstruction: an overview of perioperative management.

Pediatric craniofacial defects as a result of congenital malformation, tumor, or trauma are devastating to both the child and the family. These patients require extensive education, preparation, careful monitoring and psychological support. With continuing advances in surgical technology and technique, the effectiveness and utilization of pediatric craniofacial surgery is increasing. As this type of surgery is currently available at relatively few institutions, it has created a new nursing experience. A multi-disciplinary team approach has evolved at Texas Children's Hospital which necessitates active involvement of nursing staff. In this article the multi-disciplinary approach and nursing care utilized in the perioperative management of the craniofacial pediatric surgery patient will be discussed.