Early Cranioplasty Research Articles

Timing Matters: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Period for Cranioplasty After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Craniectomy is a commonly performed procedure in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to control intracranial hypertension and reduce mortality. The optimal timing for cranioplasty after craniectomy remains a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the ideal timing for cranioplasty after severe TBI, focusing on complications associated with temporal aspects and materials used in cranioplasty. METHODS: Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, were searched for studies reporting on the subject. Inclusion criteria involved randomized and observational studies comparing early and late cranioplasty procedures. Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale. Results were pooled in a single-arm meta-analysis and presented as mean and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Early cranioplasty was associated with a lower likelihood of subdural effusion (odds ratio [OR] 0.3735 [0.1643; 0.8490], P = .0187). However, no differences were detected for the presence of infection between both groups (OR 0.7460 [0.2065; 2.6945], P = .6548). Cranioplasties performed within or equal to 3 months from the TBI incident were associated with a reduced likelihood of minor complications (OR 0.4471 [0.2467; 0.8102], P = .0080). Paradoxically, this time frame exhibited an elevated risk of hydrocephalus (OR 3.2035 [1.4860; 6.9059], P = .0030), as well as total complications (OR 1.4190 [1.0453; 1.9262] P = .0248). CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review highlights the current lack of consensus on the optimal timing for cranioplasty after severe TBI. Early cranioplasty, within 35 days, showed a reduced risk of subdural effusion, but no disparity in the odds of infection was found. A reduced incidence of minor complications was observed in the earlier approach, however with an elevated risk for hydrocephalus and total complications. The association between timing and complications, including hydrocephalus, highlights the need for further research and standardization in this critical aspect of TBI management.

SURG-51. DECOMPRESSIVE HEMICRANIECTOMY IN HIGH-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS: CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC OUTCOMES

Abstract BACKGROUND Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is an uncommonly needed treatment in high-grade gliomas (HGG), most used for refractory increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from vasogenic edema, mass effect, or related complications. Outcomes and imaging following DHC are not well described. METHODS We retrospectively identified cases of DHC for HGG at our institution since 2019. RESULTS Three patients with HGG underwent DHC (2 females, ages 39-70) for newly diagnosed (2 patients) or recurrent tumor (1 patient). Causes of increased ICP were tumor/vasogenic edema (2 patients) or abscess (1 patient). Subsequent cranioplasty was performed in 2 patients: at 1.8 months after DHC in one patient, and at 8.6 months in another patient who developed sinking skin flap syndrome (SSFS). SSFS presented as progressive worsening of tumor-related neurologic deficits after completion of radiation therapy with no change in imaging, followed by frank signs of increased ICP 8 months after DHC. Two patients died of disease progression (5.3 months and 9.1 months after DHC), and one patient remains alive at 13.5 months (patient with SSFS; neurologic deficits virtually resolved after cranioplasty repair). Imaging will be described for all patients. CONCLUSION DHC can be a life-saving intervention in HGG. When feasible, early cranioplasty should be considered to avoid complications, including SSFS, which may present with neurological deficits without corresponding imaging change.

The impact of early cranioplasty on neurological function, stress response, and cognitive function in traumatic brain injury.

To analyze the efficacy of early cranioplasty in patients with traumatic brain injury and its impact on neurological function, stress response, and cognitive function. A total of 90 patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to March 2024 were included in the study. The patients were divided into an observation group (45 cases) and a control group (45 cases) based on the timing of their cranioplasty. The control group underwent cranioplasty 3 to 6 months post-trauma, while the observation group received cranioplasty within 3 months post-trauma. Neurological function was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination. Blood samples were collected to measure and compare serum levels of interleukin-6, cortisol, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha between the 2 groups. The observation group demonstrated a higher rate of excellent recovery compared to the control group (95.56% vs 80.00%), with significantly lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ([11.18 ± 2.35] vs [14.74 ± 3.61], P < .05). Posttreatment scores for Functional Independence Measure, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group ([59.26 ± 6.12] vs [47.86 ± 5.27], [25.02 ± 4.61] vs [22.74 ± 5.13], [103.52 ± 10.63] vs [88.76 ± 7.39], P < .05). Serum levels of interleukin-6, cortisol, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly lower in the observation group ([22.76 ± 4.15] ng/mL vs [25.38 ± 5.27] ng/mL, [66.29 ± 4.91] nmol/L vs [78.24 ± 6.08] nmol/L, [3.36 ± 1.02] ng/mL vs [4.91 ± 0.98] ng/mL, P < .05). The total incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the observation group (8.70% vs 26.09%, P < .05). Early cranioplasty is beneficial for the postoperative recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury. It improves neurological function, enhances cognitive function, and reduces stress response, while also significantly lowering the incidence of postoperative complications.

An Analysis of Emergency Surgical Outcomes for Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Ten-Year Single-Institute Retrospective Study in Taiwan.

Background and Objectives: Pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) remains a major pediatric public health problem, despite well-developed injury prevention programs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the emergency surgical outcomes of pTBI in a single institute ten-year retrospective study to offer a real-world clinical result. Materials and Methods: Our institute presented a clinical retrospective, single-institute research study of 150 pediatric TBI cases that were diagnosed and underwent emergency surgical treatment from 2010 to 2019. Results: The incidence of radiological findings is detailed as follows: brain edema (30%, 45/150), followed by acute subdural hematoma (27.3%, 41/150), epidural hematoma (21.3%, 32/150), chronic subdural hemorrhage (10%, 15/150), skull fracture (6.7%, 10/150), and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (4.7%, 7/150). Surgical intervention data revealed that decompressive craniectomy was still the main effective surgical method. The results showed longer hospital stays and higher morbidity rates in the brain edema, acute subdural hematoma, and chronic subdural hemorrhage groups, which were viewed as poor surgical outcome groups. Epidural hematoma, skull fracture and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage were categorized into good surgical outcome groups. Notably, the data revealed gross improvement in Glasgow Coma Scale/Score (GCS) evolution after surgical interventions, and the time to cranioplasty was a significant factor in the development of post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH). Conclusions: Our study provided real-world data for the distribution of etiology in pTBI and also categorized it into six groups, indicating disease-orientated treatment. In addition, our data supported that decompressive craniectomy (DC) remains a mainstay surgical treatment in pTBI and early cranioplasty could decrease the incidence of PTH.

Effects of Early and Late Cranioplasty on Neurocognitive Outcome and Cerebral Glucose Metabolism using PET Scan - A Comparative Study.

Brain protection and cosmetic aspects are the major indications of cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy. CP can avoid the recurrence of brain damage, achieve the plastic effect, protect the patient from seizures, and relieve the syndrome of trephine. This was a prospective, observational study done over a period of 2 years from April 2017 to April 2019 in the Department of Neurosurgery at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati. Patients of age group 20-60 years who underwent CP after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury or cerebrovascular accidents with refractory intracranial hypertension were included. The study population was divided into two groups: early and late CP groups. Neurocognitive assessment was done 72 h before and 3 months after CP by mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Glasgow outcome score (GOS), and PGI battery of brain dysfunction (PGIBBD) scores. Cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F-FDG PET scan. In both early and late CP groups, there was a highly significant difference between the mean pre- and postoperative values of MMSE, GOS, and PGIBBD, suggesting significant improvement in neurocognitive parameters of patients postoperatively. There was no significant difference between early and late CP groups for mean standard uptake values (SUVs) on PET scan for both affected (P-value- 0.40) and nonaffected (P-value- 0.30) sides. CP improves the cerebral metabolism and neurocognitive outcome, weather it is done early or late.

Early Cranioplasty in an Apert's Syndrome Infant With Occipital Encephalocele.

Apert's syndrome (AS) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by distinctive clinical manifestations such as syndactyly of the extremities and midface retrusion, which set it apart from other syndromes. This condition often presents with craniosynostosis and, less commonly, central nervous system abnormalities like encephalocele. In this report, we present a typical case of Apert syndrome with an occipital encephalocele. The infant had plagio-brachycephaly due to craniosynostosis and required urgent repair of the occipital encephalocele. At 1 month of age, we performed both the encephalocele repair and early cranioplasty for autologous bone grafting. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and surgical interventions in Apert's syndrome cases with encephalocele.

Neurological functional outcome of early versus delayed cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy at a tertiary care centre

Cranioplasty performed after a decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or aneurysmal bleed has a role of restoring cerebral protection and craniofacial cosmesis as well as improving neuromotor function. There has been no consensus with regards to the ideal timing of cranioplasty (CP) after DC. A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital on patients who had undergone early (less than or equal to 12 weeks) and late (greater than 12 weeks) cranioplasty using autologous cranial bone after DC. Functional independence measure (FIM) tools were used to compare neuromotor and cognitive function outcome between the two groups. Appropriate statistical tools were used to compare neuromotor and cognitive function improvement as well as complication rates between early and late cranioplasty. A total of 31 adult patients of cranioplasty (21 male and 10 female) were evaluated. Sixteen had undergone early and 15 late cranioplasty. Comparison for neuromotor and cognitive function using FIM tools revealed statistically significant neuromotor and cognitive advantages in the early cranioplasty group. Overall complication rates between the two groups varied but were statistically insignificant. Performing an early cranioplasty provides advantages of improvement of neuromotor and cognitive function through early restoration of cerebrospinal fluid and intracerebral haemo-dynamics. It further avoids the potential problems of developing the ‘Syndrome of the Trephined’ (otherwise known as sinking skin flap syndrome) and resorption of the autologous bone.

Modified frontal horn index: a novel risk predictor for sunken flap syndrome in the patients undergoing shunt procedures for post-decompressive craniectomy hydrocephalus

BackgroundDecompressive craniectomy (DC) is a neurosurgical procedure, frequently used in lowering the refractory intracranial pressure (ICP) following traumatic brain injuries. Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH), a debilitating complication in the patients with traumatic brain injuries, occurs in 11.9–36% patients undergoing DCs. Sunken flap syndrome (SFS) is a rare entity, following DCs or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures for PTH after DCs and leads to neurological deterioration of the patients. Literature regarding risk factors associated with SFS in the patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures for hydrocephalus following DCs is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of SFS and to establish a relationship between several clinico-radiological features and SFS in patients undergoing shunt procedures for PTH.ResultsThis retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care trauma centre upon 60 patients who underwent shunt procedures for PTH. Intraventricular haemorrhage (P < 0.0001), communicating-type hydrocephalus (P = 0.0006), and modified frontal horn index (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with development of SFS. MFHI > 43 was a significant risk factor in development of SFS.ConclusionsSFS is the common complication following shunt procedures for PTH after DCs. MFHI is significant risk predictor for SFS. MFHI > 43 is associated with higher chances of developing SFS following shunt insertion in PTH. Early cranioplasty following DCs might prevent development of SFS.

Predictive factors influencing outcome of early cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: a outcome prediction model study.

The timing of cranioplasty (CP) has become a widely debated topic in research, there is currently no unified standard. To this end, we established a outcome prediction model to explore the factors influencing the outcome of early CP. Our aim is to provide theoretical and practical basis for whether patients with skull defects after decompressive craniectomy (DC) are suitable for early CP. A total of 90 patients with early CP after DC from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected as the training group, and another 52 patients with early CP after DC from January 2022 to March 2023 were collected as the validation group. The Nomogram was established to explore the predictive factors that affect the outcome of early CP by Least absolute shrinkage analysis and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discrimination of the prediction model. Calibration curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of data fitting, and decision curve analysis (DCA) diagram was used to evaluate the benefit of using the model. Age, preoperative GCS, preoperative NIHSS, defect area, and interval time from DC to CP were the predictors of the risk prediction model of early CP in patients with skull defects. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of the training group was 0.924 (95%CI: 0.867-0.980), and the AUC of the validation group was 0.918 (95%CI, 0.842-0.993). Hosmer-Lemeshow fit test showed that the mean absolute error was small, and the fit degree was good. The probability threshold of decision risk curve was wide and had practical value. The prediction model that considers the age, preoperative GCS, preoperative NIHSS, defect area, and interval time from DC has good predictive ability.

Early versus delayed cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury: a multicenter observational study within CENTER-TBI and Net-QuRe.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of early (≤ 90 days) and delayed (> 90 days) cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors analyzed participants enrolled in the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) and the Neurotraumatology Quality Registry (Net-QuRe) studies who were diagnosed with TBI and underwent DC and subsequent cranioplasty. These prospective, multicenter, observational cohort studies included 5091 patients enrolled from 2014 to 2020. The effect of cranioplasty timing on functional outcome was evaluated with multivariable ordinal regression and with propensity score matching (PSM) in a sensitivity analysis of functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended [GOSE] score) and quality of life (Quality of Life After Brain Injury [QOLIBRI] instrument) at 12 months following DC. Among 173 eligible patients, 73 (42%) underwent early cranioplasty and 100 (58%) underwent delayed cranioplasty. In the ordinal logistic regression and PSM, similar 12-month GOSE scores were found between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.61-1.21 and 0.88, 95% CI 0.48-1.65, respectively). In the ordinal logistic regression, early cranioplasty was associated with a higher risk for hydrocephalus than that with delayed cranioplasty (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.2-16). Postdischarge seizure rates (early cranioplasty: aOR 1.73, 95% CI 0.7-4.7) and QOLIBRI scores (β -1.9, 95% CI -9.1 to 9.6) were similar between the two groups. Functional outcome and quality of life were similar between early and delayed cranioplasty in patients who had undergone DC for TBI. Neurosurgeons may consider performing cranioplasty during the index admission (early) to simplify the patient's chain of care and prevent readmission for cranioplasty but should be vigilant for an increased possibility of hydrocephalus. Clinical trial registration nos.: CENTER-TBI, NCT02210221 (clinicaltrials.gov); Net-QuRe, NTR6003 (trialsearch.who.int) and NL5761 (onderzoekmetmensen.nl).

Cranioplasty Outcomes from a Tertiary Hospital in a Developing Country.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure to treat refractory increase in intracranial pressure. DC is frequently succeeded by cranioplasty (CP), a reconstructive procedure to protect the underlying brain and maintain cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics. However, complications such as seizures, fluid collections, infections, and hydrocephalus can arise from CP. Our aim is to investigate these complications and their possible risk factors and to discuss whether early or late CP has any effect on the outcome. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients who underwent CP after DC between January 2014 and January 2022. Relevant information was collected such as demographics, type of brain injury, materials used in CP, timing between DC and CP, and postoperative complications. Ultimately, 63 patients were included in our study. We also compared the complication rate between patients who underwent late CP after DC (>90 days) against patients who underwent early CP (<90 days). Most patients were male (78%). The sample median age was 29 years, with pediatric patients, accounting for 36% of the samples. Overall complication rate was 57% and they were seizure/epilepsy in 50% of the patients, fluid collection (28%), infections (25%), posttraumatic hydrocephalus (17%), and bone defect/resorption (3%). Twenty-two percent of patients with complications required reoperation and underwent a second CP. The median (interquartile range) duration between the craniotomy and the CP was 56 (27-102) days, with an early (≤3 months) percentage of 68%. We found no significant difference between early (≤3 months) and late (>3 months) CP regarding complication rates. Despite CP being a simple procedure, it has a considerable rate of complications. Therefore, it is important that surgeons possess adequate knowledge about such complications to navigate these challenges more effectively.

123 How Early Is Too Early for Cranioplasty Following Craniectomy? A Propensity-Matched Study

INTRODUCTION: Nearly 30% of patients experience complications following cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy. However, the optimal timing for this procedure is not well established. METHODS: Using the TriNetX Research Network, we included patients who underwent either late cranioplasty (91 days to 1 year), or cranioplasty in the first (1-30 days), second (31-60 days), or third (61-90 days) month after craniectomy. Propensity score matching was used to match the late cranioplasty group separately with the other three cranioplasty groups based on demographics, comorbidities, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use, and laboratory values. Postoperative outcomes were assessed within six months after cranioplasty. RESULTS: We analyzed 2545 patients. After matching, 301 patients remained in the first-month, 314 in the second-month, and 406 in the third-month group. The prevalence of postoperative complications, including seizures/epilepsy, infections, wound disruption, intracranial/intraspinal abscess/granuloma, repeat craniectomy/craniotomy, removal/replacement of bone flap/prosthetic plate of skull, and dependence on wheelchair/care provider were similar across all groups. Compared to late cranioplasty, intracerebral hemorrhage was significantly more common in the first-month (p = 0.033) and second-month (p = 0.01) groups, but not in the third-month (p = 0.502) group. Epidural hemorrhage was significantly more common in the second-month (p = 0.0492) group, while subdural hemorrhage was significantly more common in all early cranioplasty groups. Meningitis/Encephalitis/myelitis/encephalomyelitis were significantly more common only in the first-month group (p = 0.009). Hydrocephalous was significantly more common only in the second-month group (p = 0.0046). The need for repeat cranioplasty was significantly higher in the first-month (p = 0.005) and second-month (p = 0.043) groups. Mortality rate was significantly higher in the first-month (p = 0.004) and second-month (p = 0.02) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cranioplasty in the first 60 days following craniectomy is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Prospective studies are needed to establish the best timing for cranioplasty.

Functional outcome after late cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: a single-center retrospective study

ObjectiveThe best time for cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is controversial, and there are no authoritative guidelines yet. Both complications as well as outcome may depend on the timing of CP. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the impact of late CP on procedural safety as well as on patient outcome.MethodsAll patients receiving CP at a tertiary university medical center between 01/2015 and 12/2022 were included retrospectively. Patients’ conditions were assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) prior to CP and 6 months after. Baseline characteristics, indication for DC, time from DC to CP, and postoperative complications according to the Landriel Ibañez Classification were analyzed.ResultsCP was performed in 271 patients who previously underwent DC due to traumatic brain injury (25.5%), ischemic stroke (29.5%), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (26.9%), or intracerebral hemorrhage (18.1%). The median interval between DC and CP was 143 days (interquartile range 112–184 days). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off of 149 days, where CP performed within 149 days after DC led to an improvement on mRS after CP (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, additional rehabilitation after and better mRS before CP were independently associated with improvement of outcome. The rate of complications was similar between early and late CP (24.8% and 25.4%, respectively, p = 0.562).ConclusionsLate cranioplasty is a safe procedure. The outcome was improved when additional rehabilitation was performed after cranioplasty and was not associated with the timing of cranioplasty.

Analysis of the timing and the usage of drains following cranioplasty on outcomes and the incidence of bone resorption.

Pediatric cranioplasty is associated with a high rate of complications, including bone resorption (BR) in 20-50% of cases. We aimed to evaluate factors contributing to BR, including the effect of the timing of cranioplasty and the use of post-surgical drains. This is a dual institution retrospective review of all patients under 18 years old who underwent a cranioplasty following a decompressive craniectomy (DC) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury between 2011 and 2021. Early cranioplasty was defined as within 30 days after DC and late cranioplasty as >30 days. Patients were grouped by BR and separately by timing to cranioplasty. Groups were compared based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and postoperative drain usage. A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 7.39 (standard deviation = 6.52) and 60% were male. The median time to cranioplasty was 13 days (interquartile range = 10-17). BR was present in 16.7% of cases. A subgaleal drain was utilized in 93.3% and an external ventricular drain (EVD) in 63.3% of patients following cranioplasty. Drain usage was not associated with BR and timing to cranioplasty was not associated with discharge or 6-month GOS. This study demonstrates that early cranioplasty following DC may have similar outcomes to late cranioplasty. Post-surgical EVDs and subgaleal drains did not increase the incidence of BR, suggesting their importance in the postoperative management of these patients.

Complications of Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case-Based Review

AbstractBackground Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a frequently performed procedure to treat intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. DC is a salvage procedure that reduces mortality at the expense of severe disability and compromises the quality of life. The procedure is not without serious complications.Methods We describe the complications following DC and its management in a case-based review in this article.Results Complications after DC are classified as early or late complications based on the time of occurrence. Early complication includes hemorrhage, external cerebral herniation, wound complications, CSF leak/fistula, and seizures/epilepsy. Contusion expansion, new contralateral epidural, and subdural hematoma in the immediate postoperative period mandate surgical intervention. It is necessary to repeat non-contrast CT head at 24 hours and 48 hours following DC. Late complication includes subdural hygroma, hydrocephalus, syndrome of the trephined, bone resorption, and falls on the unprotected cranium. An early cranioplasty is an effective strategy to mitigate most of the late complications.Conclusions DC can be associated with a number of complications. One should be aware of the possible complications, and timely intervention is required.

Recent Updates on Controversies in Decompressive Craniectomy and Cranioplasty: Physiological Effect, Indication, Complication, and Management.

Decompressive craniectomy (DCE) and cranioplasty (CP) are surgical procedures used to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in various clinical scenarios, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The physiological changes following DCE, such as cerebral blood flow, perfusion, brain tissue oxygenation, and autoregulation, are essential for understanding the benefits and limitations of these procedures. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to systematically review the recent updates in DCE and CP, focusing on the fundamentals of DCE for ICP reduction, indications for DCE, optimal sizes and timing for DCE and CP, the syndrome of trephined, and the debate on suboccipital CP. The review highlights the need for further research on hemodynamic and metabolic indicators following DCE, particularly in relation to the pressure reactivity index. It provides recommendations for early CP within three months of controlling increased ICP to facilitate neurological recovery. Additionally, the review emphasizes the importance of considering suboccipital CP in patients with persistent headaches, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or cerebellar sag after suboccipital craniectomy. A better understanding of the physiological effects, indications, complications, and management strategies for DCE and CP to control elevated ICP will help optimize patient outcomes and improve the overall effectiveness of these procedures.

Early Cranioplasty after Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Early Cranioplasty after Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Complications associated with early cranioplasty for patients with traumatic brain injury: a 25-year single-center analysis.

Cranioplasty is a technically simple procedure, although one with potentially high rates of complications. The ideal timing of cranioplasty should minimize the risk of complications, but research investigating cranioplasty timing and risk of complications has generated diverse findings. Previous studies have included mixed populations of patients undergoing cranioplasty following decompression for traumatic, vascular, and other cerebral insults, making results challenging to interpret. The objective of the current study was to examine rates of complications associated with cranioplasty, specifically for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving this procedure at the authors' high-volume level 1 trauma center over a 25-year time period. A single-institution retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing cranioplasty after decompression for trauma. Patients were identified and clinical and demographic variables obtained from 2 neurotrauma databases. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on timing of cranioplasty: early (≤ 90 days after craniectomy), intermediate (91-180 days after craniectomy), and late (> 180 days after craniectomy). In addition, a subgroup analysis of complications in patients with TBI associated with ultra-early cranioplasty (< 42 days, or 6 weeks, after craniectomy) was performed. Of 435 patients identified, 141 patients underwent early cranioplasty, 187 patients received intermediate cranioplasty, and 107 patients underwent late cranioplasty. A total of 54 patients underwent ultra-early cranioplasty. Among the total cohort, the mean rate of postoperative hydrocephalus was 2.8%, the rate of seizure was 4.6%, the rate of postoperative hematoma was 3.4%, and the rate of infection was 6.0%. The total complication rate for the entire population was 16.8%. There was no significant difference in complications between any of the 3 groups. No significant differences in postoperative complications were found comparing the ultra-early cranioplasty group with all other patients combined. In this cohort of patients with TBI, early cranioplasty, including ultra-early procedures, was not associated with higher rates of complications. Early cranioplasty may confer benefits such as shorter or fewer hospitalizations, decreased financial burden, and overall improved recovery, and should be considered based on patient-specific factors.

Superimposing Pre-Cranioplasty on Pre-Craniectomy Images to Gauge Feasibility of Early Cranioplasty: A Proof of Concept.

Cranioplasty to reconstruct a skull defect after a decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a common neurosurgical procedure. However, cranioplasty is associated with relatively high complication rates, with optimal timing from craniectomy to cranioplasty remaining a controversial matter. Recent studies demonstrated early cranioplasty with appropriate risk mitigation to be a viable option with many clinical advantages, propelling the advocacy for cranioplasty as soon as brain swelling resolves. We report on a 33-year-old male with traumatic brain injury who received an early cranioplasty, 18 days post-DC. The extent of adequate brain swelling resolution was determined by superimposing selected pre-cranioplasty computed tomography (CT) images onto corresponding pre-craniectomy CT images. By ensuring all brain matter lies within the outer table of the skull in superimposed brain images, the extent of brain swelling resolution could be determined reliably and the feasibility of cranioplasty can be assessed objectively.

Cranioplasty: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an operation where a large section of the skull is removed to accommodate brain swelling. Patients who survive will usually require subsequent reconstruction of the skull using either their own bone or an artificial prosthesis, known as cranioplasty. Cranioplasty restores skull integrity but can also improve neurological function. Standard care following DC consists of the performance of cranioplasty several months later as historically, there was a concern that earlier cranioplasty may increase the risk of infection. However, recent systematic reviews have challenged this and have demonstrated that an early cranioplasty (within three months after DC) may enhance neurological recovery. However, patients are often transferred to a rehabilitation unit following their acute index admission and before their cranioplasty. A better understanding of the pathophysiological effects of cranioplasty and the relationship of timing and complications would enable more focused patient tailored rehabilitation programs, thus maximizing the benefit following cranioplasty. This may maximise recovery potential, possibly resulting in improved functional and cognitive gains, enhancement of quality of life and potentially reducing longer-term care needs. This narrative review aims to update multi-disciplinary team regarding cranioplasty, including its history, pathophysiological consequences on recovery, complications, and important clinical considerations both in the acute and rehabilitation settings.