Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

1.0K

Hydrocephalus after decompressive craniotomy: a case series

Abrar A Wani1, Altaf U Ramzan, Humam Tanki

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|September 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Post-craniectomy hydrocephalus is a rare complication following decompressive craniectomy for intracranial hypertension. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is the primary treatment to improve neurological outcomes in affected pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Intracranial hypertension, often resulting from head trauma or stroke, necessitates decompressive craniectomy.
  • Post-craniectomy hydrocephalus is an emerging concern in neurosurgical practice.
  • Decompressive craniectomy is increasingly performed for severe brain edema.

Observation:

  • A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who developed hydrocephalus after decompressive craniotomy was conducted.
  • The study period spanned from October 2011 to October 2013.
  • Three pediatric patients were identified with post-craniectomy hydrocephalus.

Findings:

  • The patients ranged in age from 6 to 18 years.
  • One patient experienced a fatal outcome.
  • Two patients remained under follow-up care.

Implications:

  • Post-traumatic hydrocephalus is a rare but significant complication of decompressive craniotomy.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is currently the sole effective intervention for improving neurological status in these cases.
  • Further research into the management of post-craniectomy hydrocephalus is warranted.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging09:25

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging

Published on: February 15, 2008

65.0K
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

12.2K

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component...
12
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins...
10
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
7
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
8
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
12