A diagnosis that changed everything

In March 2011, Carla, a 54-year-old mother of two, began experiencing persistent neck pain and headaches. After visiting her GP, she was referred to a neurologist, where she received the diagnosis: a meningioma the size of an egg.

A week of uncertainty followed before the reassuring news arrived: the tumour was operable. Carla then took six months to prepare mentally and physically for the procedure, which was considered high-risk given her age. During one final holiday, her symptoms worsened and she began having epileptic seizures. The operation could no longer be delayed.

A complex procedure with serious complications

On 18 September, Carla underwent surgery. The tumour was successfully removed, but the procedure was not without complications. Severe blood loss, combined with a shortage of her blood type, meant the operation had to be paused temporarily, increasing the risk of further complications.

Her skull was closed using the original section of bone. But within weeks, new problems emerged: the wound developed an odour and a fistula formed. The bone was found to be necrotic and had to be surgically removed once again. Carla was left with a visible indentation in her skull and partial loss of control over her face, arms and balance.

Searching for a better alternative

Once the wound had healed, Carla was referred for skull reconstruction. She expected the next step to follow quickly, but the reality was very different. The proposed solution was a flat, thin titanium plate. Restoring a more natural shape would have required several high-risk operations. On top of that, the planned surgery was postponed several times. What followed was a prolonged period of uncertainty, during which Carla faced the physical and functional consequences of the defect every day.

After waiting more than six months, Carla’s husband, Paul, came across an article about Xilloc. He got in touch to ask about the usual lead times. The difference was striking: while Carla had already been waiting for months, a patient-specific solution from Xilloc could typically be delivered within a matter of weeks. After that conversation, Carla and Paul decided to seek a second opinion at Maastricht UMC+. Just three days later, they met Prof. Dr. Dr. Kessler, who recommended a patient-specific implant.

A solution designed around her anatomy

Using Carla’s anatomy as the basis, an implant was designed to restore the natural shape of her skull, including its correct curvature. Just seven weeks later, Carla underwent surgery and the implant was placed.

Following the reconstruction, Carla recovered remarkably quickly. She regained most of her neurological function and was highly satisfied with the aesthetic result. For Carla and her family, this marked not only a physical recovery, but also the end of a long and uncertain period.