Effect of decompressive craniectomy under stepped decompression on the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of decompressive craniectomy under stepped decompression on the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods A total of 68 patients with severe craniocerebral injury undergoing elective decompressive craniectomy in the hospital were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group by random number table method, 34 cases in each group. Stepped decompression was used for monitoring intracranial pressure of the observation group during operation while the control group were treated by standard decompressive craniectomy. Six months after the operation, the short-term prognosis, activities of daily living and limb movement function were evaluated with the GOS, Baethel index (BI) and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM). The incidence of complications was compared. Results The excellent and good rate of recovery was significantly higher in the observation group than the control group (41.18% vs. 17.64%) (P 0.05). Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy under stepped decompression can reduce the incidence of acute encephalocele and improve the prognosis of patients with severe craniocerebral injury. Key words: Severe traumatic brain injury; Stepped decompression; Decompressive craniectomy