Baby Liam Underwent an 11-Hour Surgery to Rebuild His Skull After Being Born With a Rare Brain Defect

When Hannah Sachs went for a routine pregnancy scan, she expected to see another glimpse of her growing baby boy. Instead, doctors discovered a rare condition that would change her family’s life before little Liam had even entered the world.

Born with a frontonasal encephalocele, Liam faced serious medical challenges from his earliest days. At just six months old, he would undergo an extraordinary 11-hour operation to remove the protruding tissue and reconstruct parts of his skull and face.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

During her pregnancy, Hannah learned that her unborn son had an encephalocele, a rare neural tube defect in which brain tissue or its surrounding membranes can protrude through an opening in the skull.

In Liam’s case, the abnormality affected the area around his forehead and nose, creating a visible sac that his family would affectionately nickname “Squishy.”

Hannah and her husband, Gabriel, were frightened by the uncertainty surrounding their son’s condition. Nevertheless, they prepared to welcome him with the help of specialists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

When Liam arrived in March 2023, he was immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. After 13 days, his parents were finally able to bring him home, although he continued to require medical support.

An Unexpected Emergency at Just One Month Old

Only weeks after returning home, Hannah noticed something concerning. The sac on Liam’s forehead had become unusually hard and shiny.

Doctors discovered that he had developed severe hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of cerebrospinal fluid that can increase pressure inside the skull.

At approximately one month old, Liam underwent surgery to place a shunt that would help drain the excess fluid.

The procedure helped stabilize his condition, but his family knew another major operation was still ahead.

Eleven Hours That Would Change His Life

In September 2023, shortly before Liam turned six months old, specialists at Cincinnati Children’s performed a complex operation to remove his encephalocele and reconstruct the affected areas of his skull and face.

The procedure lasted approximately 11 hours.

For Hannah and Gabriel, saying goodbye to their baby that morning was particularly emotional. They understood how important the surgery was for his future, but they had also grown to love every detail of the little face they had known since birth.

The operation was successful.

However, recovery brought additional challenges. Liam experienced significant swelling, leaving his eyes closed for much of his first week after surgery.

His parents stayed close, speaking to him and offering comfort through their familiar voices.

More Challenges After the Surgery

Although the reconstruction was successful, Liam’s medical journey did not end there.

He experienced feeding difficulties and later received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, a condition affecting movement and coordination.

His family continued working with medical professionals to support his development, nutrition and mobility.

For Hannah and Gabriel, progress was measured through the small achievements that gradually became part of their son’s everyday life.

A Little Boy Who Continues to Surprise His Family

In a later update published in October 2025, Hannah shared encouraging news about Liam’s development.

After extensive therapy and continued medical care, he had begun walking independently at around two years old. He was also eating entirely by mouth without relying on a feeding tube.

His progress did not mean every medical challenge had disappeared, but it represented meaningful milestones for a child whose earliest months had been filled with uncertainty.

From a frightening prenatal diagnosis to an 11-hour reconstruction and years of continued care, Liam’s journey reflects the dedication of his medical team and the unwavering love of his family.

For Hannah and Gabriel, every new milestone is another chapter in the life of the little boy they have loved from the very beginning.

Source: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (July 2024); Need To Know / Jam Press (October 2025).