Osteoplastic decompressive craniotomy--an alternative to decompressive craniectomy

Background  

In spite of various degrees of brain expansion, decompressive surgery is usually carried out using decompressive craniectomy (DC). After craniectomy it is necessary to perform cranioplasty, which prolongs hospitalization and is not always without complications. Hence, in situations when cranial decompression is indicated, but DC would be too radical, we do not remove the bone flap, and we perform so-called osteoplastic decompressive craniotomy (ODC). The technique is detailed.     

Long-term complications of decompressive craniectomy for head injury

There is currently much interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy for intracranial hypertension. Though technically straightforward, the procedure is not without significant complications. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 164 patients who had had a decompressive craniectomy for severe head injury in the years 2004 to 2009 at the two major hospitals in Western Australia. Eighty-six patients had a bifrontal decompression and seventy-eight had a unilateral decompression. Two patients died due to post-operative care issues. Complications attributable to the decompressive surgery were: herniation of the cortex through the bone defect (42 patients, 25.6%), subdural effusion (81 patients, 49.4%), seizures (36 patients, 22%), hydrocephalus (23 patients, 14%), and syndrome of the trephined (2 patients, 1.2%). Complications attributable to the subsequent cranioplasty included: sudden death due to massive cerebral swelling in 3 patients (2.2%), infection requiring removal of the bone flap in 16 patients (11.6%), and bone flap resorption requiring augmentation in 10 patients (7.2%). After excluding simple complications such as subdural effusion and brain herniation through the skull defect and some patients who died as a direct consequence of traumatic brain or extracranial injury, 81 patients (55.5%) had at least one complication after decompressive craniectomy. The occurrence of at least one complication after decompressive craniectomy was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged stay in the hospital or rehabilitation facility (odds ratio 2.54, 95%confidence interval 1.22,5.24, p=0.013), after adjusting for predicted risk of unfavorable outcome.     

Bone flap salvage in acute surgical site infection after craniotomy for tumor resection

Craniotomy surgical site infections are an inherent risk and dreaded complication for the elective brain tumor patient. Sequelae can include delays in resumption in adjuvant treatments for multiple surgeries if staged cranioplasty is pursued. Here, the authors review their experience in operative debridement of surgical site infections with single-stage reimplantation of the salvaged craniotomy bone flap. A prospectively maintained database of a single surgeon’s neuro-oncology patients from 2009 to 2017 (JRF) was queried to identify 11 patients with surgical site infection after craniotomy for tumor resection. All patients underwent a protocol of aggressive operative debridement including drilling the bone edges and intraoperative flap sterilization with single-stage reimplantation, followed by tailored-antibiotic therapy. Ten of the 11 patients with frankly contaminated bone flaps from surgical site infection were able to be salvaged in a single-stage procedure. Five of these patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation without secondary complication. There was one treatment failure in a delayed fashion which required additional surgery for craniectomy; however, this occurred after adjuvant treatment was administered. Surgical debridement and bone flap salvage is safe and cost-effective in managing acute surgical site infections after craniotomy for tumors. Additionally, this practice is likely beneficial in expediting the resumption of cancer therapy.     

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization: a simple technique for storing explanted skull bone. Technical note

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of a simple technique using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization and room temperature storage of autologous bone grafts for reconstructive cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy. The authors retrospectively analyzed data in 103 consecutive patients who underwent cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for any cause at the University of Illinois at Chicago between 1999 and 2005. Patients with a pre-existing intracranial infection prior to craniectomy or lost to follow-up before reconstruction were excluded. Autologous bone grafts were cleansed of soft tissue, hermetically sealed in sterilization pouches for EtO gas sterilization, and stored at room temperature until reconstructive cranioplasty was performed. Cranioplasties were performed an average of 4 months after decompressive craniectomy, and the follow-up after reconstruction averaged 14 months. Excellent aesthetic and functional results after single-stage reconstruction were achieved in 95 patients (92.2%) as confirmed on computed tomography. An infection of the bone flap occurred in eight patients (7.8%), and the skull defects were eventually reconstructed using polymethylmethacrylate with satisfactory results. The mean preservation interval was 3.8 months in patients with uninfected flaps and 6.4 months in those with infected flaps (p = 0.02). A preservation time beyond 10 months was associated with a significantly increased risk of flap infection postcranioplasty (odds ratio [OR] 10.8, p = 0.02). Additionally, patients who had undergone multiple craniotomies demonstrated a trend toward increased infection rates (OR 3.0, p = 0.13). Data in this analysis support the effectiveness of this method, which can be performed at any institution that provides EtO gas sterilization services. The findings also suggest that bone flaps preserved beyond 10 months using this technique should be discarded or resterilized prior to reconstruction.     

Relief of headache by cranioplasty after skull base surgery

Headache after skull base surgery can cause profound morbidity in certain patients, resulting in significant impairment of their quality of life. Several methods to prevent postoperative headache have been described, including a modification of the skin/muscle incision replacing the craniotomy bone flap replacing the bone flap and filling in the residual defect with methyl methacrylate, using hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) to fill the craniectomy defect, and wiring hardened methyl methacrylate (MMA) into the defect. Ten patients with severe headache following craniectomy for a posterior fossa lesion underwent cranioplasty with MMA, which was placed exactly within the craniectomy defect and secured rigidly with miniplates and screws. The headache decreased in severity in all patients and resolved completely in 90%. Also, 78% of patients with dizziness improved. The procedure and its effect on headache and dizziness will be described.     

Relief of Headache by Cranioplasty After Skull Base Surgery

Headache after skull base surgery can cause profound morbidity in certain patients, resulting in significant impairment of their quality of life. Several methods to prevent postoperative headache have been described, including a modification of the skin/muscle incision replacing the craniotomy bone flap replacing the bone flap and filling in the residual defect with methyl methacrylate, using hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) to fill the craniectomy defect, and wiring hardened methyl methacrylate (MMA) into the defect. Ten patients with severe headache following craniectomy for a posterior fossa lesion underwent cranioplasty with MMA, which was placed exactly within the craniectomy defect and secured rigidly with miniplates and screws. The headache decreased in severity in all patients and resolved completely in 90%. Also, 78% of patients with dizziness improved. The procedure and its effect on headache and dizziness will be described.     

Cranioplasty using the patient's autogenous bone preserved by freezing--an examination of post-operative infection rates

The current technique for cranioplasty using artificial bone requires further improvement with regard to infection, strength and comfort through good fitting. We have carried out cranioplasty using the patient's autogenous bone flap obtained during first surgery. It was immersed in 200 mg of Amikacin Sulphate, and frozen at -16 degrees C until its use in cranioplasty. From 1980 to 1998, cranioplasty has been carried out on 206 patients. They consisted of 118 males and 88 females, and their age ranged in our institute from 1 to 81; average age 51.1. Ruptured aneurysm (48%), head injury (14%), intracranial hemorrhage (23%) and cerebral infarction (12%) were the major causes requiring decompression surgery. We analyse the bone preservation period and the time between cranioplasty and the onset of infection. The infection rates per bone preservation periods, the causes of decompression and age groups are studied. Of the 208 case studies, infection necessitating bone removal or debridement was noted in 8 cases (3.88%). Average bone preservation period in the infected group was 31.1 days as compared with 54.9 days for the non-infected group (p < 0.05). Not patient age but the type of head injury is also a significant factor in post cranioplasty infection.     

手术治疗108例高血压性脑出血疗效分析

目的:探讨高血压性脑出血的不同手术方式的治疗效果。方法:回顾1998年1月至2003年1月手术治疗高血压性脑出血108例,根据入院时的病情,出血部位及血肿量,将病人分级分型,分别采用小骨窗开颅血肿清除术,大骨瓣开颅血肿清除瓣去骨瓣减压术,血肿穿刺尿激酶冲洗引流术,观察手术效果。结果:生存病例按日常生活能力分为:良好(恢复正常工作与生活)26例;中(生活自理)46例;差(生活不能自理)23例;死亡13例。结论:根据高血压性脑出血病人的入院情况,选择适当的手术方式,积极防治并发症,可提高手术效果。     

Cranioplasty with autologous cryopreserved bone after decompressive craniectomy. Complications and risk factors for developing surgical site infection

Background

Renewed interest has developed in decompressive craniectomy, and improved survival is shown when this treatment is used after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and possible risk factors for developing surgical site infection (SSI) after delayed cranioplasty using autologous, cryopreserved bone.

Methods

This retrospective study included 74 consecutive patients treated with decompressive craniectomy during the time period May 1998 to October 2010 for various non-traumatic conditions causing increased intracranial pressure due to brain swelling. Complications were registered and patient data was analyzed in a search for predictive factors.

Results

Fifty out of the 74 patients (67.6 %) survived and underwent delayed cranioplasty. Of these, 47 were eligible for analysis. Six patients (12.8 %) developed SSI following the replacement of autologous cryopreserved bone, whereas bone resorption occurred in two patients (4.3 %). No factors predicted a statistically significant rate of SSI, however, prolonged procedural time and cardiovascular comorbidity tended to increase the risk of SSI.

Conclusions

SSI and bone flap resorption are the most frequent complications associated with the reimplantation of autologous cryopreserved bone after decompressive craniectomy. Prolonged procedural time and cardiovascular comorbidity tend to increase the risk of SSI.     

早期颅骨缺损修补术的效果及安全性研究

目的评价早期颅骨修补术的安全性和有效性。方法因颅脑外伤导致难治性颅高压于2006年1月～2011年6月在我科行去大骨瓣减压术90例,其中早期行颅骨修补术60例(早期修补组),行颅骨修补术的时间间隔去大骨瓣减压术38.2(36～40)d;另30例在大骨瓣减压术后3个月行颅骨修补术(对照组),行颅骨修补术的时间间隔去大骨瓣减压术107.6(90～153)d。通过分析手术耗时、皮瓣游离时间、手术失血量及并发症来回顾性研究两组的临床效果,评估早期颅骨修补的有效性。结果早期修补组的手术总时间比对照组明显缩短,为(95.33±4.71)min vs.(133.67±5.12)min,皮瓣游离时间明显缩短,为(15.3±1.24)min vs.(40.67±3.11)min,手术总出血量明显减少,为(336.67±24.6)mlvs.(573.30±26.7)ml(P<0.01)。两组术后伤口感染率无明显差别,但早期修补组的硬膜下积液率及皮瓣游离过程中硬膜破裂率明显少于对照组,分别为6.7%(4/60)vs.30%(9/30)和3.3%(2/60)vs.26.7%(8/30)(P<0.01)。结论早期颅骨修补手术,能够在手术操作过程中更好地进行软组织分离,减少出血,同时也不会增加手术带来的包括感染、硬膜下积液及硬膜破裂甚至脑实质损伤等并发症。     

Postoperative infection after duraplasty with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet

Dural reconstruction is a significant problem in many cases of decompressive craniotomy and dural defect. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet have been used as a dura mater substitute for duraplasty. The outcomes of 83 consecutive patients at our institution were reviewed who underwent external decompression and closure with the ePTFE sheet between August 1995 and December 2000. Eight cases of infection occurred. Seven patients had infection with subdural empyema after cranioplasty with autologous bone. Three patients improved after removal of only the infected bone. One patient improved after removal of the infected bone and ePTFE sheet. One patient experienced wound infection after the original operation. Four patients subsequently developed local and severe inflammation with skin erythema until the ePTFE sheet was removed. Four patients had severe recurrent infections which required subsequent therapy such as vascularized free rectus abdominis muscle flap transfer. Duraplasty with ePTFE sheet might promote infection and poor circulation in the skin flap. The ePTFE sheet should be removed at an early stage in a patient with infection.     

Cranioplasty with inner table of bone flap. Technical note

A new method of cranioplasty is described in which the inner table of the bone flap obtained during craniotomy is used for grafting. The method was used in 10 cases to repair bone defects caused by a growing skull fracture in two, created during removal of an invasive skull tumor in two, during the approach to intraorbital tumors in two, and secondary to craniectomy for additional exposure in four. The method has the advantage that a piece of the inner table for grafting can be obtained from the craniotomy bone flap, without the need for an additional skin incision or taking a graft from another part of the body, and foreign-body reaction is minimal.     

Cranioplasty: why throw the bone flap out?

Patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy for intracranial hypertension often require interval cranioplasty. Many cranioplasty agents are currently in use. The authors suggest that storage of the patient's own bone flap in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall, is a safe, efficacious and cost-effective alternative to use of synthetic cranioplasty materials.     

Extensive duraplasty with autologous graft in decompressive craniectomy and subsequent early cranioplasty for severe head trauma

Objective： To compare the effect of extensive duraplasty and subsequent early cranioplasty on the recovery of neurological function in management of patients with severe traumatic brain injuries received decompressive craniectomy. Methods： The computer-aided designation of titanium armor plate was used as a substitute for the repair of skull defect in all the patients. The patients were divided into three groups. Twenty-three patients were in early cranioplasty group who received extensive duraplasty in craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty within 3 months after previous operation （Group I）. Twenty-one patients whose cranioplasty was performed more than 3 months after the first operation were in the group without duraplasty （Group Ⅱ）; while the other 26 patients in the group with duraplasty in previous craniotomy （Group Ⅲ）. Both the Barthel index of activity of daily living （ADL） 3 months after craniotomy for brain injuries and 1 month after cranioplasty and Kamofsky Performance Score （KPS） at least 6 months aftercranioplasty were assessed respectively. Results： The occurrence of adverse events commonly seen in cranioplasty, such as incision healing disturbance, fluid collection below skin flap, infection and onset of postoperative epilepsy was not significantly higher than other 2 groups. The ADL scores at 3 months after craniotomy in Groups Ⅰ-Ⅱ/were 58.9±26.7, 40.8±20.2 and 49.2±18.6. The ADL scores at 1 month after cranioplasty were 70.2±425.2, 50.8±24.8 and 61.2±21.5. The forward KPS scores were 75.4±19.0, 66.5±24.7 and 57.6±24.7 respectively. The ADL and KPS socres were significantly higher in group I than other 2 groups. Conclusion： The early cranioplasty in those with extensive duraplasty in previous craniotomy is feasible and helpful to improving ADL and long-term quality of life in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries.     

骨膜为蒂的颞深筋膜瓣在标准外伤性大骨瓣开颅硬脑膜减张缝合中的应用研究

目的探讨骨膜为蒂的颞深筋膜瓣在标准外伤性大骨瓣开颅硬脑膜减张缝合中应用。方法分析研究重型颅脑损伤标准外伤性大骨瓣入路开颅的患者74例,分为人工脑膜组36例和骨膜为蒂的颞深筋膜组38例,2组均行开颅血肿清除术+去骨瓣减压术并减张缝合硬膜,观察术后的硬膜间积液等并发症和经济负担。结果骨膜为蒂的颞深筋膜组术后无并发症,经济负担轻,与对照组比较有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论骨膜为蒂的颞深筋膜瓣在标准外伤性大骨瓣开颅硬脑膜减张缝合的手术操作方法可以安全应用,是对标准外伤性大骨瓣开颅术的重要补充。     

A case of the traumatic hydrocephalus after large craniectomy for acute subdural hematoma

Decompressive craniectomy sometimes causes neurological deficits known as 'the syndrome of the sinking skin flap' or 'the symptom of the trephined'. These disorders can be corrected with cranioplasty, but there is no consensus on appropriate treatments. We report a case of successful correction of traumatic hydrocephalus following craniotomy. A 50-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with disturbance of consciousness after a head injury. Decompressive craniectomy was performed for a right acute subdural hematoma. His consciousness recovered after the operation, but then deteriorated gradually and left hemiparesis occurred. CT scan revealed midline shift from right to left. These symptoms and CT findings were not improved after cranioplasty, but were improved with removal of the CSF from the adhered subarachnoid space. The diagnosis was traumatic hydrocephalus, and a cisternoperitoneal shunt was subsequently placed. We report this case to emphasize the necessity for study of CSF circulation, as well as the importance of examination of CBF and ICP after craniectomy.     

Supratentorial craniotomy using a threadwire saw. Technical note

An alternative technique for cutting the bone flap in supratentorial craniotomy uses a threadwire saw (T-saw), originally developed for spinal surgery. After placing a burr hole at each corner of the intended craniotomy, osteotomy is performed between adjacent burr holes using a craniotome, leaving a bony bridge of approximately 1/3 of the length of the osteotomy. The T-saw is introduced between adjacent burr holes through the epidural space and the bridge is cut with reciprocating strokes. The narrow beveled cut reduces the bone gap for fitted bone flap fixation. On closure, the bridge firmly supports the flap and only sutures are needed for fixation. A minimal amount of filler is required to fill the bone gap. Successful bone flap fixation was obtained in more than 100 cases. No technique-related complications such as dural laceration or flap displacement occurred. Osteotomy using a T-saw was somewhat time-consuming, but cutting efficiency was improved with a Diamond T-saw, featuring a section of cable covered with diamond particles. This method is ideal for bone cuts in cosmetic cranioplasty; is easy and safe to perform, is inexpensive, and avoids the need for flap fixation with metal devices.     

Autologous Vascularized Dural Wrapping for Temporalis Muscle Preservation and Reconstruction After Decompressive Craniectomy: Report of Twenty-five Cases

Temporalis muscle reconstruction is a necessary step during frontotemporal cranioplasty ensuing decompressive craniectomy (DC). During this procedure, scarring between the temporalis muscle and the dural layer may lead to complicated muscle dissection, which carries an increased risk of dura and muscle damage. At time of DC, temporalis muscle wrapping by an autologous vascularized dural flap can later on facilitate dissection and rebuilding during the subsequent cranioplasty. In a span of 2 years, we performed 57 DCs for different etiologies. In 30 cases, the temporalis muscle was isolated by wrapping its inner surface using the autologous dura. At cranioplasty, the muscle could easily be dissected from the duraplasty. The inner surface was easily freed from the autologous dural envelope, and reconstruction achieved in an almost physiological position. Follow-up examinations were held at regular intervals to disclose signs of temporalis muscle depletion. Twenty-five patients survived to undergo cranioplasty. Muscle dissection could always be performed with no injury to the dural layer. No complications related to temporalis muscle wrapping were recorded. Face asymmetry developed in four cases but it was always with bone resorption. None of the patients with a good neurological recovery reported functional or aesthetic complaints. In our experience, temporalis muscle wrapping by vascularized autologous dura proved to be effective in preserving its bulk and reducing its adhesion to duraplasty, thereby improving muscle dissection and reconstruction during cranioplasty. Functional and aesthetic results were satisfying, except in cases of bone resorption.     

Preservation of bone flaps in patients with postcraniotomy infections

OBJECT: Management of postcraniotomy wound infections has traditionally consisted of operative debridement and removal of devitalized bone flaps followed by delayed cranioplasty. The authors report the highly favorable results of a prospective study in which postcraniotomy wound infections were managed with surgical debridement to preserve the bone flaps and avoid cranioplasty. METHODS: Since 1990, 13 patients with postcraniotomy wound infections have been prospectively treated with open surgical debridement and replacement of the bone flap. All patients received a full course of systemic antibiotic agents based on the determination of the bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity. Notable risk factors for infection included prior craniotomies, radiotherapy, and skull base procedures. The mean long-term follow-up period was 35 +/- 20 months. In all five patients who underwent craniotomies without complications, bone flap preservation was possible with full resolution of the infection and without the need for additional surgery. Among the eight patients with risk factors, bone preservation was possible in six patients, although two required minor wound revisions (without bone flap removal). Both patients who underwent craniofacial procedures required an additional procedure in which the bone flap was removed for recurrent infection (one after 2 months and the other after 29 months). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with uncomplicated postcraniotomy infections, simple operative debridement is sufficient and it is not necessary to discard the bone flaps and perform cranioplasties. Even patients with risk factors such as prior surgery or radiotherapy can usually be treated using this strategy. Patients who undergo craniofacial surgeries involving the nasal sinuses are at higher risk and may require bone flap removal.