Outcome following decompressive craniectomy for malignant swelling due to severe head injury

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to assess outcome following decompressive craniectomy for malignant brain swelling due to closed traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: During a 48-month period (March 2000-March 2004), 50 of 967 consecutive patients with closed TBI experienced diffuse brain swelling and underwent decompressive craniectomy, without removal of clots or contusion, to control intracranial pressure (ICP) or to reverse dangerous brain shifts. Diffuse injury was demonstrated in 44 patients, an evacuated mass lesion in four in whom decompressive craniectomy had been performed as a separate procedure, and a nonevacuated mass lesion in two. Decompressive craniectomy was performed urgently in 10 patients before ICP monitoring; in 40 patients the procedure was performed after ICP had become unresponsive to conventional medical management as outlined in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons guidelines. Survivors were followed up for at least 3 months posttreatment to determine their Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score. Decompressive craniectomy lowered ICP to less than 20 mm Hg in 85% of patients. In the 40 patients who had undergone ICP monitoring before decompression, ICP decreased from a mean of 23.9 to 14.4 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Fourteen of 50 patients died, and 16 either remained in a vegetative state (seven patients) or were severely disabled (nine patients). Twenty patients had a good outcome (GOS Score 4-5). Among 30-day survivors, good outcome occurred in 17, 67, and 67% of patients with postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 15, respectively (p < 0.05). Outcome was unaffected by abnormal pupillary response to light, timing of decompressive craniectomy, brain shift as demonstrated on computerized tomography scanning, and patient age, possibly because of the small number of patients in each of the subsets. Complications included hydrocephalus (five patients), hemorrhagic swelling ipsilateral to the craniectomy site (eight patients), and subdural hygroma (25 patients). CONCLUSIONS. Decompressive craniectomy was associated with a better-than-expected functional outcome in patients with medically uncontrollable ICP and/or brain herniation, compared with outcomes in other control cohorts reported on in the literature.     

Comparison of the effect of decompressive craniectomy on different neurosurgical diseases

Background  Many previous studies have reported that decompressive craniectomy has improved clinical outcomes in patients with intractable increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by various neurosurgical diseases. However there is no report that compares the effectiveness of the procedure in the different conditions. The authors performed decompressive craniectomy following a constant surgical indication and compared the clinical outcomes in different neurosurgical diseases. Materials and methods  Seventy five patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy were analysed retrospectively. There were 28 with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), 24 cases with massive intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and 23 cases with major infarction (MI). The surgical indications were GCS score less than 8 and/or a midline shift more than 6 mm on CT. The clinical outcomes were assessed on the basis of mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores. The changes of ventricular pressure related to the surgical intervention were also compared between the different disease groups. Findings  Clinical outcomes were evaluated 6 months after decompressive craniectomy. The mortality was 21.4% in patients with TBI, 25% in those with ICH and 60.9% in MI. A favourable outcome, i.e. GOS 4–5 (moderate disability or better) was observed in 16 (57.1%) patients with TBI, 12 (50%) with ICH and 7 (30.4%) with MI. The change of ventricular pressure after craniectomy and was 53.2 (reductions of 17.4%) and further reduced by 14.9% (with dural opening) and (24.8%) after returning to its recovery room, regardless of the diseases group. Conclusions  According to the mortality and GOS scores, decompressive craniectomy with dural expansion was found to be more effective in patients with ICH or TBI than in the MI group. However, the ventricular pressure change during the decompressive craniectomy was similar in the different disease groups. The authors thought that decompressive craniectomy should be performed earlier for the major infarction patients.     

Efficacy of standard trauma craniectomy for refractory intracranial hypertension with severe traumatic brain injury: a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled study

To compare the effect of standard trauma craniectomy (STC) versus limited craniectomy (LC) on the outcome of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with refractory intracranial hypertension, we conducted a study at five medical centers of 486 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score 0.05). The results of the study indicate that STC significantly improves outcome in severe TBI with refractory intracranial hypertension resulting from unilateral frontotemporoparietal contusion with or without intracerebral or subdural hematoma. This suggests that STC, rather than LC, be recommended for such patients.     

Aspects on decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic head injuries

In patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial hypertension secondary to cerebral edema is a major problem. A last-tier treatment in these cases is decompressive craniectomy. The aim of the present retrospective investigation was to (1) study the long-time outcome in patients with traumatic head injuries with intracranial hypertension treated with decompressive craniectomy; (2) examine the effects on intracranial pressure (ICP) by the craniectomy; and (3) investigate the possible relationship between the size of the removed bone-flap and the effects on ICP. Among the about 150 patients with severe TBI treated at our neurointensive care unit during 1997-2002, 19 patients were treated with decompressive craniectomy. All patients were young (mean 22 +/- 11 years, range 7-46 years), and 68% were male. The mean ICP was reduced from 29.2 +/- 3.5 before to 11.1 +/- 6.0 mm Hg immediately after the craniectomy; at 24 h after the craniectomy, the mean ICP was 13.9 +/- 9.7 mm Hg. Paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant decrease, both when comparing the preoperative values to the values immediately postoperative as well as to the values after 24 h (p < 0.01). A significant correlation between the size of the craniectomy and the decrease in ICP was found using Pearson regression analysis. The outcome of all patients could be assessed. The survival rate was 89%. Two patients died (both day 4 after the trauma); 68% of the patients had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5); 16% were severely disabled (GOS score of 3); and one patient (5%) was left in a vegetative state.     

Cerebral oxygenation, vascular reactivity, and neurochemistry following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECT: This study addresses the changes in brain oxygenation, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cerebral neurochemistry in patients following decompressive craniectomy for the control of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with isolated TBI and elevated ICP, who were refractory to maximal medical therapy, underwent decompressive craniectomy over a 1-year period. Thirteen patients were male and 3 were female. The mean age of the patients was 38 years and the median Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission was 5. RESULTS Six months following TBI, 11 patients had a poor outcome (Group 1, Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] Score 1-3), whereas the remaining 5 patients had a favorable outcome (Group 2, GOS Score 4 or 5). Decompressive craniectomy resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the mean ICP and cerebrovascular pressure reactivity index to autoregulatory values (< 0.3) in both groups of patients. There was a significant improvement in brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO(2)) in Group 2 patients from 3 to 17 mm Hg and an 85% reduction in episodes of cerebral ischemia. In addition, the durations of abnormal PbtO(2) and biochemical indices were significantly reduced in Group 2 patients after decompressive craniectomy, but there was no improvement in the biochemical indices in Group 1 patients despite surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive craniectomy, when used appropriately in protocol-driven intensive care regimens for the treatment of recalcitrant elevated ICP, is associated with a return of abnormal metabolic parameters to normal values in patients with eventually favorable outcomes.     

急性重度颅脑外伤伴天幕裂孔疝的手术治疗

目的比较标准外伤大骨瓣开颅血肿清除去大骨瓣减压并天幕裂孔疝复位术与常规大骨瓣开颅血肿清除去大骨瓣减压术对急性重度颅脑损伤伴天幕裂孔疝的治疗效果。方法 40例急性重度颅脑伤伴天幕裂孔疝患者(GCS≤8分)随机分为两组,每组20例。研究组采用标准外伤大骨瓣开颅血肿清除去大骨瓣减压并脑疝腹位术,对照组采用常规大骨瓣开颅血肿清除大骨瓣减压术。术后1 d、3 d、7 d对两组GCS评分、颅内压、脑水肿范围和中线结构移位等指标进行比较。结果术后3 d、7 d研究组较对照组的GCS评分、颅内压、脑水肿范围和中线结构移位等指标有显著改善(P0.01)。术后1年随访,研究组和对照组生存率分别为85%和60%,重残及死亡率分别为25%和50%,组间比较有显著差异(P0.05或P0.01)。结论标准外伤大骨瓣开颅血肿清除去大骨瓣减压并天幕裂孔疝复位术能提高患者生存率,减少死残率,是手术治疗重度颅脑外伤伴天幕裂孔疝的有效方法。     

Effective ICP reduction by decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury treated by an ICP-targeted therapy

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of death in younger age groups. In Ume?, Sweden, an intracranial pressure (ICP) targeted therapy protocol, the Lund concept, has been used in treatment of severe TBI since 1994. Decompressive craniectomy is used as a protocol-guided treatment step. The primary aim of the investigation was to study the effect of craniectomy on ICP changes over time in patients with severe TBI treated by an ICP-targeted protocol. In this retrospective study, all patients treated for severe TBI during 1998-2001 who fulfilled the following inclusion criteria were studied: GCS 10 mm Hg, arrival within 24 h of trauma, and need of intensive care for >72 h. Craniectomy was performed when the ICP could not be controlled by evacuation of hematomas, sedation, ventriculostomy, or low-dose pentothal infusion. Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 37.6 years. Twenty-one patients underwent craniectomy as a treatment step. We found a significant reduction of the ICP directly after craniectomy, from 36.4 mm Hg (range, 18-80 mm Hg) to 12.6 mm Hg (range, 2-51 mm Hg). During the following 72 h, we observed an increase in ICP during the first 8-12 h after craniectomy, reaching approximately 20 mm Hg, and later levelling out at approximately 25 mm Hg. The reduction of ICP was statistically significant during the 72 h. The outcome as measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) did not significantly differ between the craniectomized group (DC) and the non-craniectomized group (NDC). The outcome was favorable (GOS 5-4) in 71% in the craniectomized group, and in 61% in the non-craniectomized group. Craniectomy is a useful tool in achieving a significant reduction of ICP overtime in TBI patients with progressive intracranial hypertension refractory to medical therapy. The procedure seems to have a satisfactory effect on the outcome, as demonstrated by a high rate of favorable outcome and low mortality in the craniectomized group, which did not significantly differ compared with the non-craniectomized group.     

Incidence and risk factors for post-traumatic hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy for intractable intracranial hypertension and evacuation of mass lesions

There continues to be a considerable interest in decompressive craniectomy in the management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though technically straightforward, the procedure is not without significant complications. In this study we assessed the incidence and risk factors for the development of subdural hygroma and hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy. A total of 195 patients who had had a decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI between 2004 and 2010 at the two major trauma centers in Western Australia were considered. Of the 166 patients who survived after the acute hospital stay, 93 (56%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 48,63%) developed subdural hygroma; 45 patients (48%) had unilateral and 48 patients (52%) had bilateral subdural hygromas. Of the 159 patients who survived more than 6 months after surgery, 72 (45%; 95% CI 38,53%) developed radiological evidence of ventriculomegaly, and 26 of these 72 patients (36%; 95% CI 26,48%) developed clinical evidence of hydrocephalus and required a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Maximum intracranial pressure prior to decompression (p=0.005), subdural hygroma (p=0.012), and a lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (p=0.009), were significant risk factors for hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy. Hydrocephalus requiring a VP shunt was associated with a higher risk of unfavorable neurological outcomes at 18 months (odds ratio 7.46; 95%CI 1.17,47.4; p=0.033), after adjusting for other factors. Our results showed a clear association between injury severity, subdural hygroma, and hydrocephalus, suggesting that damage to the cerebrospinal fluid drainage pathways contributes to the primary brain injury rather than the margin of the craniectomy as the factor responsible for these complications.     

Acute subdural hematoma: morbidity, mortality, and operative timing

Traumatic acute subdural hematoma remains one of the most lethal of all head injuries. Since 1981, it has been strongly held that the critical factor in overall outcome from acute subdural hematoma is timing of operative intervention for clot removal; those operated on within 4 hours of injury may have mortality rates as low as 30% with functional survival rates as high as 65%. Data were reviewed for 1150 severely head-injured patients (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores 3 to 7) treated at a Level 1 trauma center between 1982 and 1987; 101 of these patients had acute subdural hematoma. Standard treatment protocol included aggressive prehospital resuscitation measures, rapid operative intervention, and aggressive postoperative control of intracranial pressure (ICP). The overall mortality rate was 66%, and 19% had functional recovery. The following variables statistically correlated (p less than 0.05) with outcome; motorcycle accident as a mechanism of injury, age over 65 years, admission GCS score of 3 or 4, and postoperative ICP greater than 45 mm Hg. The time from injury to operative evacuation of the acute subdural hematoma in regard to outcome morbidity and mortality was not statistically significant even when examined at hourly intervals although there were trends indicating that earlier surgery improved outcome. The findings of this study support the pathophysiological evidence that, in acute subdural hematoma, the extent of primary underlying brain injury is more important than the subdural clot itself in dictating outcome; therefore, the ability to control ICP is more critical to outcome than the absolute timing of subdural blood removal.     

Treatment of acute subdural hematoma with low GCS score

In order to clarify the present problems in the treatment of acute subdural hematoma with low GCS score (5 or less), we studied the difference of the outcomes from two different surgical treatments for these patients. The present series included 30 patients who had GCS scores of 3, 4 or 5, and they were divided into two groups: 16 in DH group who had decompressive hemicraniectomy and 14 in HITT group who had hematoma irrigation with trephination therapy. The mean age of the patients was 47 years. They all had an intensive medical management including barbiturate therapy under intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring after the operation. Time course of ICP after operation was classified as controlled, high but reduced and uncontrollable, based on the ICP level of 30 mmHg. The outcomes of the patients were determined by use of Glasgow outcome scale and classified into good, poor and dead. In these patients, the outcome was good in 13.3%, poor in 23.3% and dead in 63.4%. There was no survived case in those with GCS score of 3. The mortality rate in older patients over 60 years was high as 81.8%. ICP was well controlled in 2 patients (12.4%) in DH group. But there is no such case in HITT group. Uncontrollable ICP was more frequently seen in HITT group than in DH group. The patients showed different outcomes in the two types of treatment. Good outcome was found in 18.7% and the mortality rate was 56.3% in DH group. On the other hand, only one patient (7.1%) showed good outcome and the mortality rate of 71.4% in HITT group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bifrontal decompressive craniectomy in the management of posttraumatic intracranial hypertension

Bifrontal decompressive craniectomy has been used on an ad hoc basis for the treatment of post-traumatic intracranial hypertension for more than thirty years. In this observational study we report the clinical outcome and physiological effects of the procedure in a series of 26 patients with refractory intracranial hypertension treated on a protocol driven basis. Bifrontal decompressive craniectomy was associated with significant reductions in mean ICP from 37.5 to 18.1 mmHg (p = 0.003). In addition, craniectomy reduced the amplitude of ICP waves (p < 0.02) and increased compensatory reserve (p < 0.05). A favourable outcome was achieved in 69% of patients; 8% were severely disabled and 23% died. We conclude that this study provides pathophysiological evidence that bifrontal decompressive craniectomy significantly reduces posttraumatic intracranial hypertension and improves pressure dynamics. Our results support the continued use of bifrontal decompressive craniectomy in selected patients after head injury.     

Novel method for emergency craniostomy for rapid control and monitoring of the intracranial pressure in severe acute subdural hematoma

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a critical condition following the onset of traumatic brain injury, and it is essential to immediately reduce elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Single burr hole surgery/twist drill craniostomy is commonly performed in patients with ASDH as an emergency surgical intervention, usually preceding decompressive craniotomy. A novel method using a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage catheter kit for rapid drainage of ASDH is described. Percutaneous twist drill craniostomy using a CAMINO(?) micro ventricular bolt pressure-temperature monitoring kit was performed in the emergency room in 12 patients with severe ASDH. The kit contained a closed-system CSF drainage and pressure-temperature monitoring catheter, which allowed aspiration of the hematoma and monitoring of the ICP. The tip of the catheter was inserted into the hematoma from the forehead. The mean initial ICP was 61 mmHg, with a range of 31 to 120 mmHg. The liquid hematoma was aspirated, and the ICP was temporarily controlled to the normal range. Pupil dilation recovered immediately after aspiration of the hematoma in 3 patients. No complications occurred either during or after the operation. This new method for craniostomy is easy, safe, and effective to monitor and rapidly control ICP in the emergency room. This technique also offers the possibility of evaluating the patient's prognosis and determining indications for further decompressive craniectomy by the continuation of ICP control under ICP monitoring and evaluation of the reversibility of pupillary findings in ASDH patients.     

Contrast ultrasonographic assessment of cerebral perfusion in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury

OBJECT: The aims of this study were to determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEU) could be used for noninvasive evaluation of cerebral perfusion in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to assess the effect of decompressive surgery on cerebral perfusion as measured by CEU. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intravenous administration of a microbubble contrast agent was performed in six patients with TBI undergoing decompressive craniectomy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed through a bur hole before craniectomy and through the calvarial defect immediately after craniectomy and on postoperative Days 1 and 2. For the latter two studies, patients were placed in the recumbent position and at a 35 degrees incline to investigate changes in perfusion produced by modulation of intracranial pressure (ICP). Cerebral microvascular blood flow increased by almost threefold immediately after craniectomy, from a mean of 7.5 +/- 6.9 (standard deviation [SD]) to 20.9 +/- 11.6 (p < 0.05), and further improved on postoperative Day 1 (mean 37.1 +/- 13.9 [SD], p < 0.05, compared with postcraniectomy microvascular blood flow) without subsequent change on Day 2. The change in microvascular perfusion correlated inversely with the initial ICP (p < 0.01), indicating less recovery of flow when preoperative ICP was markedly elevated. On postoperative Days 1 and 2, head-of-bed elevation produced an increase in microvascular perfusion on CEU (mean 37 +/- 11 compared with 51 +/- 20, p < 0.05) and a small decrease in ICP (mean 16 +/- 5 mm Hg compared with 12 +/- 4 mm Hg, p < 0.05). In patients with parenchymal hematoma, CEU provided spatial information on perfusion abnormalities in the hemorrhagic core and surrounding tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has potential for the intraoperative and bedside assessment of cerebral perfusion in patients with TBI. The technique may be appropriate for evaluating responses to therapies aimed at preventing secondary ischemia and for assessing regional perfusion abnormalities.     

Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury: The relationship between surgical complications and the prediction of an unfavourable outcome

Object

To assess the impact that injury severity has on complications in patients who have had a decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study included all patients who underwent a decompressive craniectomy following severe TBI at the two major trauma hospitals in Western Australia from 2004 to 2012. All complications were recorded during this period. The clinical and radiological data of the patients on initial presentation were entered into a web-based model prognostic model, the CRASH (Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head injury) collaborators prediction model, to obtain the predicted risk of an unfavourable outcome which was used as a measure of injury severity.

Results

Complications after decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI were common. The predicted risk of unfavourable outcome was strongly associated with the development of neurological complications such as herniation of the brain outside the skull bone defects (median predicted risk of unfavourable outcome for herniation 72% vs. 57% without herniation, p = 0.001), subdural effusion (median predicted risk of unfavourable outcome 67% with an effusion vs. 57% for those without an effusion, p = 0.03), hydrocephalus requiring ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (median predicted risk of unfavourable outcome 86% for those with hydrocephalus vs. 59% for those without hydrocephalus, p = 0.001), but not infection (p = 0.251) or resorption of bone flap (p = 0.697) and seizures (0.987). We did not observe any associations between timing of cranioplasty and risk of infection or resorption of bone flap after cranioplasty.

Conclusions

Mechanical complications after decompressive craniectomy including herniation of the brain outside the skull bone defects, subdural effusion, and hydrocephalus requiring ventriculo-peritoneal shunt were more common in patients with a more severe form of TBI when quantified by the CRASH predicted risk of unfavourable outcome. The CRASH predicted risk of unfavourable outcome represents a useful baseline characteristic of patients in observational and interventional trials involving patients with severe TBI requiring decompressive craniectomy.     

Role of decompressive surgery in the management of severe head injuries: prognostic factors and patient selection

Decompressive surgery or craniectomy (DC) is a treatment option, which should be considered when the intracranial pressure (ICP) cannot be treated by conservative methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of decompressive craniectomy in patients with intractable posttraumatic intracranial hypertension and to evaluate the patient selection criteria for this management protocol. In this study, 100 patients with severe head injuries were involved. All patients were treated according to the European Brain Injury Consortium (EBIC) guidelines for severe head injuries and were assessed based on individual initial Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS), age, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), presence of systemic injury, changes in ICP, presence of mass lesion and the right timing for DC. All patients presented with a GCS of 8 or below. Based on their initial GCS, the patients were divided in two groups of 60 (group I with GCS 4-5) and 40 (group II with GCS 6-8) in each, respectively. Prognosis was evaluated according to the (GOS). After treatment with DC, 84 of the patients (84%) showed unfavorable and 16 (16%) showed favorable outcomes. In group I, 58 patients (96.6%) showed unfavorable and two (3.4%) showed favorable outcomes. In group II, 26 (65%) patients showed unfavorable and 14 (25%) showed favorable outcomes. The importance of initial GCS and age in patient outcomes were statistically significant. The presence of systemic injuries or mass lesions in outcomes were not statistically significant. Based on our findings, we conclude that patients with Glasgow Coma Scores of 6-8 are the best candidates for DC treatment.     

Combined internal uncusectomy and decompressive craniectomy for the treatment of severe closed head injury: experience with 80 cases

OBJECTIVES: Transtentorial brain herniation is a major cause of morbidity and death following severe closed head injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective uncoparahippocampectomy and tentorial splitting as an adjuvant method of treating otherwise uncontrollable elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) while attempting to prevent or minimize the devastating consequences caused by transtentorial herniation. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed data from a series of 80 consecutive cases of severe closed head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score < 8) treated in their neurosurgical unit. All patients had elevated ICP and downward tentorial herniation, as documented with ICP monitoring, and clinical examination and computed tomography, respectively. Given the evidence of acute and ongoing neurological deterioration, all patients were treated with selective uncoparahippocampectomy and tentorial edge incision followed by wide decompressive craniectomy and duraplasty. RESULTS: All injuries were caused by blunt trauma with signs of acute and/or progressive increased ICP causing downward transtentorial herniation. Fifty-eight patients were male and 22 were female with a mean age of 35 years and a mean preoperative GCS score of 5. Based on the current American Association of Neurological Surgeons guidelines for head trauma, an intraparenchymal ICP device (Camino, Integra) was placed in all patients who had a GCS score < 8, and ICP was consistently > 20 cm H2O. Whenever possible, risks and benefits were explained to family members, and then surgery was performed within 3-16 hours (median 6 hours). At a mean follow-up of 30 months, the outcome was favorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5) in 60 patients (75%) and unfavorable (GOS score of 3) in 8 (10%), whereas the remaining 12 patients (15%) died at some point during the postoperative course. There was no survivor patient in a vegetative state. A younger age had a significant effect on positive outcome (p < 0.0005), as did an earlier operation (p < 0.04). The preoperative neurological status as assessed using the GCS as well as pupillary reactivity had no significant effect on outcome (p = 0.054 and p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A selective uncoparahippocampectomy with a tentorial edge incision and a wide decompressive craniectomy with duraplasty can be an effective adjuvant form of aggressive treatment to improve outcome in patients with severe closed head injury, especially in those who are younger if they are treated promptly.     

Reduced mortality rate in patients with severe traumatic brain injury treated with brain tissue oxygen monitoring

OBJECT: An intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor, from which cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is estimated, is recommended in the care of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nevertheless, optimal ICP and CPP management may not always prevent cerebral ischemia, which adversely influences patient outcome. The authors therefore determined whether the addition of a brain tissue oxygen tension (PO2) monitor in the treatment of TBI was associated with an improved patient outcome. METHODS: Patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score < 8) who had been admitted to a Level I trauma center were evaluated as part of a prospective observational database. Patients treated with ICP and brain tissue PO2 monitoring were compared with historical controls matched for age, pathological features, admission GCS score, and Injury Severity Score who had undergone ICP monitoring alone. Therapy in both patient groups was aimed at maintaining an ICP less than 20 mm Hg and a CPP greater than 60 mm Hg. Among patients whose brain tissue PO2 was monitored, oxygenation was maintained at levels greater than 25 mm Hg. Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 44 +/- 14 years were treated using an ICP monitor alone. Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 38 +/- 18 years underwent brain tissue PO2-directed care. The mean daily ICP and CPP levels were similar in each group. The mortality rate in patients treated using conventional ICP and CPP management was 44%. Patients who also underwent brain tissue PO2 monitoring had a significantly reduced mortality rate of 25% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of both ICP and brain tissue PO2 monitors and therapy directed at brain tissue PO2 is associated with reduced patient death following severe TBI.     

Decompressive craniectomy for the management of patients with refractory hypertension: should it be reconsidered?

Summary. Summary.   Introduction: The management of refractory post-traumatic cerebral oedema remains a frustrating endeavor for the neurosurgeon and the intensivist. Mortality and morbidity rates remain high, despite refinements in medical and pharmacological means of controlling intracranial hypertension.   Method and Material: In this retrospective study we have evaluated the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy as a last resort therapy, from the data of nine patients with severe brain injury and delayed cerebral oedema (diffuse injury type III), treated between January 1997 and September 1999. The following parameters were considered: age, Glascow Coma Scale, injury severity, intracranial pressure, CT findings, pupil reaction/posturing. Follow-up period was over at least 2 years and outcome measured on the GOS.   Results: Patients have been operated on post-trauma median day 3, mean age 26±9, GCS 7±3.7, mean APACHE II 16±6.4, mean ISS 27.8±16.1, mean preoperative ICP 37.7±10.0, mean postoperative ICP 18.1±16.01. Seven patients have been operated by a frontotemporoparietal approach (six of them bilateral, one unilateral) and two patients have been operated on by a bilateral subtemporal approach. Mortality rates 22%, severe disability 11%, good recovery 66%.   Discussion: Patients with STBI, developing delayed intracranial hypertension caused by diffuse cerebral oedema, definitely benefit from craniectomy when current medical treatment has failed. The encouraging results of outcome in this and more recent studies, indicate the need for a multi-institutional randomized prospective study evaluating early indicators of raised ICP, timing, efficacy of treatment, operative technique and complications of decompressive craniectomy. Published online August 12, 2002