Decompressive craniectomy for intractable intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Aim: This retrospective study was established to analyse the effects of the decompressive craniectomy on patients with different causes of increased intracranial pressure. Material and Method: Nine patients at risk of developing malignant cerebral edema aged between 18 and 75 years were included in this study. Four patients suffered from severe traumatic brain injury, two patients from subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and vasospastic ischemia, and 3 patients from malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery. Results: Nine patients underwent decompressive craniectomy as the last therapeutic choice. At first admission mean intracranial pressure (ICP) was 22.6 ± 6.7 mmHg; mean preoperative ICP value was 40.8 ± 16.3 mmHg; and mean postoperative ICP value was 9.3± 3.6 mmHg. In two patients bilateral; and in seven patients unilateral frontotemporoparietal craniectomy was preferred. Mean time of the re-implantation of the bone flap was 25.75±10.0 days. One patient with SAH died postoperatively and eight patients survived (mortality rate 11.1%). Mean value of the Glasgow Outcome Scale score as evaluated at 36 months after the decompression was approximately 4. Discussion: This surgical procedure is successful for treatment of the acute or delayed intractable intracerebral hypertension with a low rate of complication if it is performed timely and carefully. © 2012, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.