Craniectomy Group Research Articles

Decompressive craniectomy in trauma: What you need to know.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure in which a large section of the skull is removed, and the underlying dura mater is opened widely. After evacuating a traumatic acute subdural hematoma, a primary DC is typically performed if the brain is bulging or if brain swelling is expected over the next several days. However, a recent randomized trial found similar 12-month outcomes when primary DC was compared with craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma. Secondary removal of the bone flap was performed in 9% of the craniotomy group, but more wound complications occurred in the craniectomy group. Two further multicenter trials found that, whereas early neuroprotective bifrontal DC for mild to moderate intracranial hypertension is not superior to medical management, DC as a last-tier therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension leads to reduced mortality. Patients undergoing secondary last-tier DC are more likely to improve over time than those in the standard medical management group. The overall conclusion from the most up-to-date evidence is that secondary DC has a role in the management of intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury but is not a panacea. Therefore, the decision to offer this operation should be made on a case-by-case basis. Following DC, cranioplasty is warranted but not always feasible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Consequently, a decompressive craniotomy, where the bone flap is allowed to "hinge" or "float," is sometimes used. Decompressive craniotomy is also an option in a subgroup of traumatic brain injury patients undergoing primary surgical evacuation when the brain is neither bulging nor relaxed. However, a high-quality randomized controlled trial is needed to delineate the specific indications and the type of decompressive craniotomy in appropriate patients.

The Surgical Method of Craniectomy Differentially Affects Acute Seizures, Brain Deformation and Behavior in a TBI Animal Model.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple injury models have been developed to study this neurological disorder. One such model is the lateral fluid-percussion injury (LFPI) rodent model. The LFPI model can be generated with different surgical procedures that could affect the injury and be reflected in neurobehavioral dysfunction and acute EEG changes. A craniectomy was performed either with a trephine hand drill or with a trephine electric drill that was centered over the left hemisphere of adult, male Sprague Dawley rats. Sham craniectomy groups were assessed by hand-drilled (ShamHMRI) and electric-drilled (ShamEMRI) to evaluate by MRI. Then, TBI was induced in separate groups (TBIH) and (TBIE) using a fluid-percussion device. Sham-injured rats (ShamH/ShamE) underwent the same surgical procedures as the TBI rats. During the same surgery session, rats were implanted with screw and microwire electrodes positioned in the neocortex and hippocampus and the EEG activity was recorded 24 hours for the first 7 days after TBI for assessing the acute EEG seizure and Gamma Event Coupling (GEC). The electric drilling craniectomy induced greater tissue damage and sensorimotor deficits compared to the hand drill. Analysis of the EEG revealed acute seizures in at least one animal from each group after the procedure. Both TBI and Sham rats from the electric drill groups had a significant greater total number of seizures than the animals that were craniectomized manually (p<0.05). Similarly, EEG functional connectivity was lower in ShamE compared to ShamH rats. These results suggest that electrical versus hand drilling craniectomies produce cortical injury in addition to the LFPI which increases the likelihood for acute post-traumatic seizures. Differences in the surgical approach could be one reason for the variability in the injury that makes it difficult to replicate results between preclinical TBI studies.

The Surgical Method of Craniectomy Differentially Affects Acute Seizures, Brain Deformation, and Behavior in a Traumatic Brain Injury Animal Model.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple injury models have been developed to study this neurological disorder. One such model is the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) rodent model. The LFPI model can be generated with different surgical procedures that could affect the injury and be reflected in neurobehavioral dysfunction and acute electroencephalograph (EEG) changes. A craniectomy was performed either with a trephine hand drill or with a trephine electric drill that was centered over the left hemisphere of adult, male Sprague Dawley rats. Sham craniectomy groups were assessed by hand-drilled (ShamHMRI) and electric-drilled (ShamEMRI) to evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then, TBI was induced in separate groups, (TBIH) and (TBIE), using a fluid-percussion device. Sham-injured rats (ShamH/ShamE) underwent the same surgical procedures as the TBI rats. During the same surgery session, rats were implanted with screw and microwire electrodes positioned in the neocortex and hippocampus and the EEG activity was recorded 24 h for the first 7 days after TBI for assessing the acute EEG seizure and gamma event coupling. The electric drilling craniectomy induced greater tissue damage and sensorimotor deficits compared with the hand drill. Analysis of the EEG revealed acute seizures in at least one animal from each group after the procedure. Both TBI and Sham rats from the electric drill groups had a significant greater total number of seizures than the animals that were craniectomized manually (p < 0.05). Similarly, EEG functional connectivity was lower in ShamE compared with ShamH rats. These results suggest that electrical versus hand-drilling craniectomies produce cortical injury in addition to the LFPI which increases the likelihood for acute post-traumatic seizures. Differences in the surgical approach could be one reason for the variability in the injury that makes it difficult to replicate results between preclinical TBI studies.

Clot removAl with or without decompRessive craniectomy under ICP monitoring for supratentorial IntraCerebral Hemorrhage (CARICH): a randomized controlled trial.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC), a surgery to remove part of the skull and open the dura mater, maybe an effective treatment for controlling intracranial hypertension. It remains great interest to elucidate whether DC is beneficial to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients who warrant clot removal (CR) to prevent intracranial hypertension. The trial was a prospective, pragmatic, controlled trial involving adult patients with ICH who were undergoing removal of hematoma. ICH patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratioto undergo CR with or without DC under the monitoring of intracranial pressure. The primary outcome was the proportion of unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the mortality at 3 months and the occurrence of reoperation. A total of 102 patients were assigned to the CR with DC group and 102 to the CR group. Median hematoma volume was 54.0ml (range 30-80ml) and median preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale was 10 (range 5-15). At 3 months, 94 patients (92.2%) in CR with DC group and 83 patients (81.4%) in the CR group had unfavorable functional outcome ( P =0.023). Fourteen patients (13.7%) in the CR with DC group died versus five patients (4.9%) in the CR group ( P =0.030). The number of patients with reoperation was similar between the CR with DC group and CR group (5.9 vs. 3.9%; P =0.517). Postoperative intracranial pressure values were not significantly different between two groups and the mean values were less than 20mmHg. CR without DC decreased the rate of modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 and mortality in patients with ICH, compared with CR with DC.

Surgical strategies in acute subdural hematoma: a meta-analysis of decompressive craniectomy vs. craniotomy.

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) stands as a significant contributor to morbidity after severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The primary treatment approach for patients experiencing progressive neurological deficits or notable mass effects is the surgical removal of the hematoma, which can be achieved through craniotomy (CO) or decompressive craniectomy (DC). Nevertheless, the choice between these two procedures remains a subject of ongoing debate and controversy. We conducted a comprehensive literature review, utilizing prominent online databases and manually searching references related to craniotomy and craniectomy for subdural hematoma evacuation up to November 2023. Our analysis focused on outcome variables such as the presence of residual subdural hematoma, the need for revision procedures, and overall clinical outcomes. We included a total of 11 comparative studies in our analysis, encompassing 4269 patients, with 2979 undergoing craniotomy and 1290 undergoing craniectomy, meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients who underwent craniectomy displayed significantly lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) during their initial presentation. Following surgery, the DC group exhibited a significantly reduced rate of residual subdural (P = 0.009). Additionally, the likelihood of a poor outcome during follow-up was lower in the CO group. Likewise, the mortality rate was lower in the CO group compared to the craniectomy group (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.98, I2 = 84%, P = 0.04). Our study found that CO was associated with more favorable outcomes in terms of mortality, reoperation rate, and functional outcome while DC was associated with less likelihood of residual subdural hematoma. Upon further investigation of patient characteristics who underwent into either of these interventions, it was very clear that patients in DC cohort have more serious and low pre-op characteristics than the CO group. Nonetheless, brain herniation and advanced age act as independent factor for predicting the outcome irrespective of the intervention.

White Matter Integrity and Motor Function Disruption Due to Traumatic Brain Injury in Piglets: Impacts on Motor-Related Brain Fibers.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) often induces significant disability in patients, including long-term motor deficits. Early detection of injury severity is key in determining a prognosis and creating appropriate intervention and rehabilitation plans. However, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, such as T2 Weighted (T2W) sequences, do not reliably assess the extent of microstructural white matter injury. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography enables three-dimensional reconstruction of specific white matter tracts throughout the brain in order to detect white matter injury based on anisotropic diffusion. The objective of this study was to employ DTI tractography to detect acute changes to white matter integrity within the intersecting fibers of key motor-related brain regions following TBI. Piglets were assigned to either the sham craniectomy group (sham; n = 6) or the controlled cortical impact TBI group (TBI; n = 6). Gait and MRI were collected at seven days post-surgery (DPS). T2W sequences confirmed a localized injury predominately in the ipsilateral hemisphere in TBI animals. TBI animals, relative to sham animals, showed an increased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in fiber bundles associated with key brain regions involved in motor function. TBI animals exhibited gait deficits, including stride and step length, compared to sham animals. Together these data demonstrate acute reductions in the white matter integrity, measured by DTI tractography, of fibers intersecting key brain regions that strongly corresponded with acute motor deficits in a pediatric piglet TBI model. These results provide the foundation for the further development of DTI-based biomarkers to evaluate motor outcomes following TBI.

Neurocognitive outcomes and associated clinical factors 5 years after surgery in children with craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis involves early closure of one or more sutures, which is known to limit normal cranium growth and interfere with normal brain development. Various surgical methods are used, ranging from minimally invasive strip craniectomy to more extensive whole-vault cranioplasty. This study aimed to evaluate neurocognitive outcomes 5 years after surgical treatment in children with craniosynostosis and to evaluate relevant clinical factors. After exclusion of genetically confirmed syndromic craniosynostosis patients, a retrospective review was conducted on 112 nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients who underwent surgical treatment and follow-up neurocognitive assessment. Ninety-seven patients underwent strip craniectomy with postoperative orthotic helmet therapy, and 15 received other surgical treatment: 4 with distraction osteotomy and 11 with craniofacial reconstruction. Neurocognitive assessment using the Korean Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (K-WPPSI-IV), was performed 5 years postoperatively. Clinical factors were assessed regarding neurocognitive outcomes. The mean age at surgery was significantly younger in the strip craniectomy group (strip craniectomy 4.6 months vs other surgical treatment 18.6 months, p < 0.01). Patients with 2 or more sutures involved were more likely to receive more extensive surgical treatment (16.5% in the strip craniectomy group vs 53.8% in the other group, p < 0.01). Four (3.5%) patients who showed evidence of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) also underwent more extensive surgical treatment. Multivariable linear regression revealed a significant correlation of age at neurocognitive testing (-3.18, 95% CI -5.95 to -0.40, p = 0.02), increased ICP (-34.73, 95% CI -51.04 to -18.41, p < 0.01), and the level of maternal education (6.11, 95% CI 1.01-11.20, p = 0.02) with the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ). Age at surgery, involvement of 2 or more sutures, and type of operation demonstrated no correlation with FSIQ. Among the 97 patients who underwent strip craniectomy, the FSIQ ranged from mean ± SD 100.2 ± 10.2 (bicoronal) to 110.1 ± 12.7 (lambdoid), and there was no significant difference between the suture groups (p = 0.41). The 5 index scores were all within average ranges based on their age norms. Age at neurocognitive assessment, increased ICP, and maternal education level showed significant correlations with the neurocognitive function of craniosynostosis patients. Although children with craniosynostosis exhibited favorable 5-year postoperative neurocognitive outcomes across various synostosis sutures, longer follow-up is needed to reveal the incidence of neurocognitive dysfunction in these patients.

Clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after intracerebral hemorrhage: A propensity score-matched analysis.

A consensus on decompressive craniectomy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not yet been established. We aimed to investigate the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus based on the method of ICH surgery, with a focus on craniectomy. We retrospectively enrolled 458 patients with supratentorial ICH who underwent surgical hematoma evacuation between April 2005 and December 2021 at two independent stroke centers. Multivariate analyses were performed to characterize risk factors for postoperative shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching (1:2) was undertaken to compensate for group-wise imbalances based on probable factors that were suspected to affect the development of hydrocephalus, and the clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was evaluated by the matched analysis. Overall, 43 of the 458 participants (9.4%) underwent shunt procedures as part of the management of hydrocephalus after ICH. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and craniectomy were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after surgery for ICH. After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in participant age, sex, hypertension status, diabetes mellitus status, lesion location, ICH volume, IVH occurrence, or IVH severity. The craniectomy group had a significantly higher incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus than the non-craniectomy group (28.9% vs. 4.3%,p < 0.001; OR 9.1, 95% CI 3.7-22.7), craniotomy group (23.2% vs. 4.3%,p < 0.001; OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5-17.1), and catheterization group (20.0% vs. 4.0%,p = 0.012; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.3). Decompressive craniectomy seems to increase shunt-dependent hydrocephalus among patients undergoing surgical ICH evacuation. The decision to perform a craniectomy for patients with ICH should be carefully individualized while considering the risk of hydrocephalus.

Decompressive craniectomy versus craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma: Updated meta-analysis of real-world clinical outcome after RESCUE-ASDH trial.

The Randomized Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for Patients Undergoing Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematoma trial found that disability and quality-of-life outcomes were similar between craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy for traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH), contrasting previous literature. This meta-analysis aimed to validate the applicability of RESCUE-ASDH results using real-world data in ASDH patients. We searched Chocrane, Embase, and MEDLINE for relevant articles reporting clinical outcomes of craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy. Meta-analysis used R software (Ross Ihaka and Robert Gentleman at the University of Auckland, New Zealand) with the restricted maximum likelihood method for random-effects meta-analyses, presenting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment for heterogeneity. Besides RESCUE-ASDH, five retrospective studies were included, spanning 2006 to 2016. A total of 961 patients with traumatic ASDH were included in this study (craniotomy, 467; decompressive craniotomy, 494). The pooled analysis of retrospective studies showed no significant difference in poor clinical outcomes between the two groups (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.32-1.10). These findings align with the RESCUE-ASDH trial (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.23). Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients undergoing craniectomy in pooled result of retrospective studies (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.32-1.10). In RESCUE-ASDH trial, reoperation rate was higher in the craniotomy group, but the pooled result of retrospective did not show significant difference between the craniotomy and craniectomy group. This real-world evidence confirms the RESCUE-ASDH trial results. Both craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy yielded similar disability and quality-of-life outcomes for traumatic ASDH patients. Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis; Level III.

1128 Outcomes of Early and Late Decompressive Craniectomies in Contrast to Standard Medical Management in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury with Refractory Intracranial Hypertension: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract Aim The meta-analysis explored the effectiveness of early and late decompressive craniectomies versus medical management in patients with refractory intracranial hypertension after sustaining traumatic brain injury. The clinical outcomes analysed were grouped into 2 categories: favourable (good recovery and moderate disability) and unfavourable outcomes (death, vegetative state, and severe disability). Intracranial pressure has been measured post-randomisation in the studies included. Method Google Scholar, Cochrane and Medline search engines were utilised for data collection ranging from 1999 until present. The searched keywords encompassed: decompressive craniectomy, refractory intracranial hypertension, medical management, and traumatic brain injury. Thereafter, the data was uploaded to Review Manager for statistical analysis. Results Of the 122 articles, 10 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis yielded that relative risk (RR) of overall mortality in decompressive craniectomy group vs medical management is 0.58 95% CI [0.41, 0.81] (P = 0.001). The standardised mean difference (SMD) for intracranial pressure is -2.59 95% CI [-3.72, -1.46] (P &amp;lt; 0.00001) between the two groups. The odds ratio considering favourable outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale) for patients undergoing surgery vs medical care is 1.02 95% [0.57, 1.82] (P = 0.95). Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrates that decompressive craniectomy significantly reduces the overall mortality and intracranial pressure in patients with TBI and refractory intracranial hypertension versus medical management. Decompressive craniectomy has a greater potential to treat TBI patients with refractory intracranial hypertension than medical care alone however more randomised clinical trials are needed to ascertain the effectiveness of the superiority of these treatments in the future research.

Multicenter comparison of head shape outcomes for three minimally invasive strip craniectomy techniques for sagittal craniosynostosis.

A literature gap exists comparing whole head shape outcome following correction of sagittal craniosynostosis. The objective of this multicenter study was to provide an analysis of long-term results following three different endoscopic strip craniectomy techniques for correction of sagittal craniosynostosis: 1) spring-assisted strip craniectomy, 2) wide-strip craniectomy with biparietal and bitemporal barrel-stave wedge osteotomies plus helmet orthosis, and 3) narrow-strip craniectomy plus orthosis without barrel staves. Pre- and postoperative 3D stereophotogrammetric images were collected from patients who underwent craniosynostosis surgery. Procedures were divided among institutions as follows: spring-assisted strip craniectomies were performed at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital; narrow-strip craniectomies were performed at St. Louis Children's Hospital by one craniofacial surgeon; and wide-vertex craniectomies were performed at St. Louis Children's Hospital prior to 2010, and then continued at Children's Medical Center Dallas. Pre- and postoperative 3D whole-head composite images were generated for each procedure to visually represent outcomes at final follow-up and compared with age-matched normal controls. Patients in the spring-assisted strip craniectomy group showed normalization of frontal bossing and skull height compared with age-matched controls, whereas patients undergoing wide-strip craniectomy showed greater correction of occipital protrusion. Patients in the narrow-strip craniectomy cohort had intermediate results between these outcomes. Nested aggregate head shapes showed good correction of head shapes from all techniques. This large, retrospective, multicenter study illustrated whole head shape outcomes from three different craniectomy procedures. Although each procedure showed some differences in loci of primary correction, all three surgical methods demonstrated good correction of primary scaphocephalic deformity.

Decompressive Craniectomy versus Craniotomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma

BackgroundTraumatic acute subdural hematomas frequently warrant surgical evacuation by means of a craniotomy (bone flap replaced) or decompressive craniectomy (bone flap not replaced). Craniectomy may prevent intracranial hypertension, but whether it is associated with better outcomes is unclear.MethodsWe conducted a trial in which patients undergoing surgery for traumatic acute subdural hematoma were randomly assigned to undergo craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy. An inclusion criterion was a bone flap with an anteroposterior diameter of 11 cm or more. The primary outcome was the rating on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) (an 8-point scale, ranging from death to “upper good recovery” [no injury-related problems]) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the GOSE rating at 6 months and quality of life as assessed by the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L).ResultsA total of 228 patients were assigned to the craniotomy group and 222 to the decompressive craniectomy group. The median diameter of the bone flap was 13 cm (interquartile range, 12 to 14) in both groups. The common odds ratio for the differences across GOSE ratings at 12 months was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 1.18; P=0.32). Results were similar at 6 months. At 12 months, death had occurred in 30.2% of the patients in the craniotomy group and in 32.2% of those in the craniectomy group; a vegetative state occurred in 2.3% and 2.8%, respectively, and a lower or upper good recovery occurred in 25.6% and 19.9%. EQ-5D-5L scores were similar in the two groups at 12 months. Additional cranial surgery within 2 weeks after randomization was performed in 14.6% of the craniotomy group and in 6.9% of the craniectomy group. Wound complications occurred in 3.9% of the craniotomy group and in 12.2% of the craniectomy group.ConclusionsAmong patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma who underwent craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy, disability and quality-of-life outcomes were similar with the two approaches. Additional surgery was performed in a higher proportion of the craniotomy group, but more wound complications occurred in the craniectomy group. (Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research; RESCUE-ASDH ISRCTN Registry number, ISRCTN87370545.)

Degree Of Cisternal Compression As An Independent Prognostic Factor For Outcome In Both Craniotomy and Primary Decompressive Craniectomy Groups In Acute Subdural Hematoma Population

Degree Of Cisternal Compression As An Independent Prognostic Factor For Outcome In Both Craniotomy and Primary Decompressive Craniectomy Groups In Acute Subdural Hematoma Population

The contribution of intracranial pressure to human dynamic cerebral autoregulation after acute brain injury.

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is normally expressed by the difference between mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP) but comparison of the separate contributions of MAP and ICP to human cerebral blood flow autoregulation has not been reported. In ABI patients, internal jugular vein compression (IJVC) was performed for 60 s. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) was assessed in recordings of middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv, transcranial Doppler), and invasive measurements of MAP and ICP. Patients were separated according to injury severity as having whole/undamaged skull, large fractures or craniotomies, or following decompressive craniectomy. Glasgow coma score was not different for the three groups. IJVC induced changes in MCAv, MAP, ICP, and CPP in all three groups. The MCAv response to step changes in MAP and ICP expressed the dCA response to these two inputs, and was quantified with the autoregulation index (ARI). In 85 patients, ARI was lower for the ICP input as compared to the MAP input (2.25 ± 2.46 vs 3.39 ± 2.28; p<0.0001), and particularly depressed in the DC group (n=24, 0.35 ± 0.62 vs 2.21 ± 1.96; p<0.0005). In patients with ABI, the dCA response to changes in ICP is less efficient than corresponding responses to MAP changes. These results should be taken into consideration in studies aimed to optimize dCA by manipulation of CPP in neurocritical patients.

Surgical Modality as a Determinant of Survival and Neurological Outcome Following the Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematomas

Objective: We designed the present study to compare the clinical outcomes of the craniotomy and the decompressive craniectomy procedures that we had performed in our department for evacuating traumatic acute subdural hematomas.&#x0D; Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical data of all the adult patients in whom a craniotomy or a decompressive craniectomy had been performed for evacuating acute traumatic subdural hematoma. The demographic data, the preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the clinical outcome were studied.&#x0D; Results: A craniotomy had been carried out in five patients for traumatic AcSDH evacuation while in twelve patients a decompressive craniectomy had been performed. The mean preoperative GCS was 9 in the patients that underwent a craniotomy, whereas the mean preoperative GCS in the decompressive craniectomy group was 6.8. The overall mortality was 47%. In the craniotomy group, 4 (80%) patients survived and 1 (20%) patient expired. In the decompressive craniectomy group, 5 (41.7%) patients survived and 7 (58.3%) patients expired. The outcome in all the 9 surviving patients was favorable based on the Glasgow Outcome scale and all of them were independent of follow-up.&#x0D; Conclusion: Better clinical outcome was observed in patients who had undergone a craniotomy compared to those in whom a decompressive craniectomy had been performed. Patients that underwent a craniotomy were also in a better clinical status preoperatively compared to patients who underwent a decompressive craniectomy.

Decompressive Craniectomy for the Treatment of Severe Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading public health problems across the world. TBI is associated with high economic costs to the healthcare system specially in developing countries. Decompressive craniectomy is a procedure in which an area of the skull is removed to increase the volume of intracranial compartment. There are various techniques of decompressive craniectomy used that include subtemporal and circular decompression, and unilateral or bilateral frontotemporoparietal decompression. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of decompressive craniectomy for the management of severe TBI versus conservative management alone at the Department of Neurosurgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Methods The study (randomized controlled trial) was conducted from February 1, 2014, till June 30, 2017. Results A total of 136 patients were included after following the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to two groups, making it 68 patients in each study group. There were 89 males and 47 females. All the patients received standard care recommended by the Brain Trauma Foundation. The mortality rate observed at 6 months in decompressive craniectomy was 22.05%, while among conservative management group, it was 45.58%. Difference in mortality of both groups at 6 months was significant. Total 61.76% (42) of patients from decompressive craniectomy group had a favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale: 4-5) at 6 months. While among conservative management group, total 35.29% (24) had a favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale: 4-5). Difference in Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months of both groups was significant. Conclusion In conclusion, decompressive craniectomy is simple, safe, and better than conservative management alone.

Prediction of Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus after Primary Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage with a Focus on the Influence of Craniectomies.

ObjectiveHydrocephalus after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is known to be related to poor prognosis and mortality. We analyzed predictors of permanent hydrocephalus in the patients with surgically treated supratentorial ICH. MethodsFrom 2004 to 2019, a total of 414 patients with surgically treated primary supratentorial ICH were included. We retrospectively analyzed age, sex, preexisting hypertension and diabetes, location and volume of ICH, presence and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and type of surgery. ResultsForty patients (9.7%) required shunt surgery. Concomitant IVH was higher in the ‘shunt required’ group (92.5%) than in the ‘shunt not required’ group (67.9%) (p=0.001). IVH severity was worse in the ‘shunt required’ group (13.5 vs. 7.5, p=0.008). Craniectomy (47.5%) was significantly high in the ‘shunt required’ group. According to multivariable analysis, the presence of an IVH was 8.1 times more frequent and craniectomy was 8.6 times more frequent in the ‘shunt required’ group. In the comparison between craniotomy and craniectomy group, the presence of an IVH was related with a 3.9 times higher (p=0.033) possibility and craniectomies rather than craniotomies with a 7-times higher possibility of shunt surgery (p<0.001). Within the craniectomy group, an increase in the craniectomy area by 1 cm2 was correlated with a 3.2% increase in the possibility of shunt surgery (odds ratio, 1.032; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.061; p=0.022). ConclusionPresence of IVH, the severity of IVH and decompressive craniectomy were related to the development of shunt dependent hydrocephalus in the patients with ICH. The increasing size of craniectomy was related with increasing rate of shunt requirement.

Cisternostomy versus Decompressive Craniectomy for the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to avoid secondary brain injury. Decompressive craniectomy has been shown to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP), but it actually provides an outlet for brain tissue to expand without reducing edema. Basal cisternostomy is an emerging microsurgical technique to manage cerebral edema in TBI. Cerebrospinal fluid is released from basal cisterns, which reduces cerebral edema. We compared outcomes of cisternostomy with decompressive craniectomy in a randomized controlled trial and studied the effectiveness of cisternostomy in decreasing cerebral edema. All enrolled patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups and assessed clinically and radiologically. TBIs were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe injuries, and Marshall computed tomography-based score was assessed. Intraoperative ICP was measured in both groups. Outcomes were assessed based on postoperative intensive care unit stay, days on ventilator support, and Glasgow Outcome Scale score. There were 50 patients randomly assigned to 2 groups (25 patients in each group). Mortality rate was 32% (8 deaths) in the cisternostomy group and 44% (11 deaths) in the decompressive craniectomy group. Patients in the cisternostomy group had decreased mean days of ventilator support and intensive care unit stay. Cisternostomy resulted in significant decreases in ICP after craniotomy. Age, time from trauma to surgery, and Marshall score showed prognostic importance on outcomes. Cisternostomy was effective in reducing ICP in patients with TBI. Good Glasgow Outcome Scale scores and low rates of complications were found in the postoperative period after cisternostomy. Age, presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score, Marshall score, other major injuries, and time from trauma to surgery had a significant prognostic impact on outcome in management of TBI.

Role of Craniectomy Versus Craniotomy via the Retrosigmoid Approach in Decreasing the Incidence of Postoperative Headache

Background Postoperative headache is a major complaint after retrosigmoid surgery. Postoperative headache affects a patient's quality of life. Craniotomy may have a role in the prevention of such headaches. We aimed to evaluate the role of craniectomy versus craniotomy via the retrosigmoid approach in reducing the incidence of postoperative headaches. Materials and methods Patients who underwent surgery between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively assessed and were classified into the craniectomy and craniotomy groups. Clinical data, such as those on age, sex, type of surgery, surgical repair technique, development of infection, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, postoperative meningitis, size of the bone flap, and wound infection, were collected. The severity of headache in all patients was clinically assessed using the Catalano grading system. Results Overall, 95 patients underwent microsurgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Of these, 48 were men and 47 were women. In total, 34 patients underwent craniectomy, and 61 patients underwent craniotomy. On discharge, postoperative headache was observed in 47% (16 of 34) and 21% (13 of 61) of patients who underwent craniectomy and craniotomy, respectively (P = .01). The incidence of headache decreased at follow-up. At 12 months after surgery, 15% of patients in the craniectomy group (5/34) and 2% of patients in the craniotomy group (2/61) experienced headache (P = 0.01). Of the 61 patients in the craniotomy group, 2 (2%) had less severe headache at 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion The severity of headache after surgery and on discharge significantly decreased in patients who underwent craniotomy than in those who underwent craniectomy.

The Kempe incision for decompressive craniectomy, craniotomy, and cranioplasty in traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an effective, lifesaving option for reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and other pathologies with elevated ICP. Most DCs are performed via a standard trauma flap shaped like a reverse question mark (RQM), which requires sacrificing the occipital and posterior auricular arteries and can be complicated by wound dehiscence and infections. The Ludwig Kempe hemispherectomy incision (Kempe) entails a T-shaped incision, one limb from the midline behind the hairline to the inion and the other limb from the root of the zygoma to the coronal suture. The authors' objective in this study was to define their implementation of the Kempe incision for DC and craniotomy, report clinical outcomes, and quantify the volume of bone removed compared with the RQM incision. A retrospective review of a single-surgeon experience with DC in TBI and stroke was performed. Patient demographics, imaging, and outcomes were collected for all DCs from 2015 to 2020, and the incisions were categorized as either Kempe or RQM. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were obtained and processed using a combination of automatic segmentation (in Python and SimpleITK) with manual cleanup and further subselection in ITK-SNAP. The volume of bone removed was quantified, and the primary outcome was percentage of hemicranium removed. Postoperative surgical wound infections, estimated blood loss (EBL), and length of surgery were compared between the two groups as secondary outcomes. Cranioplasty data were collected. One hundred thirty-six patients were included in the analysis; there were 57 patients in the craniotomy group (44 patients with RQM incisions and 13 with Kempe incisions) and 79 in the craniectomy group (41 patients with RQM incisions and 38 Kempe incisions). The mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 251 ± 368 days. There was a difference in the amount of decompression between approaches in multivariate modeling (39% ± 11% of the hemicranium was removed via the Kempe incision vs 34% ± 10% via the RQM incision, p = 0.047), although this did not achieve significance in multivariate modeling. Wound infection rates, EBL, and length of surgery were comparable between the two incision types. No wound infections in either cohort were due to wound dehiscence. Cranioplasty outcomes were comparable between the two incision types. The Kempe incision for craniectomy or craniotomy is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to the RQM. The authors advocate the Kempe incision in cases in which contralateral operative pathology or subsequent craniofacial/skull base repair is anticipated.