Predictive Factors for Pre-Operative PEG Placement: A Novel Screening Tool for Head and Neck Reconstruction

In contrast, CVR showed a statistically greater change in CI versus strip suturectomy, WMD=1.47 [0.47-2.48] (p=0.004, I2=66%). Post-operative cephalic index was correlated with follow-up for each technique, demonstrating that as follow-up increased, CI increased in the strip and spring cranioplasty groups and decreased in CVR groups. Subgroup analysis showed longer operative time for CVR versus suturectomy/ spring-cranioplasty (170.2 vs 97.2 min), higher blood loss (237.7 vs 47.3 mL), longer length of stay (5.13 vs 2.96 days), and higher total costs ($35,280 vs $13,147), all with p values<0.0001.