Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
Published on: March 28, 2025
The influence of decompressive craniectomy on the development of hydrocephalus: a review
Jun Ding1, Yan Guo1, Hengli Tian1
1Shanghai Sixth People?s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can lead to hydrocephalus, a common complication. While DC is a known predictor, its exact impact on hydrocephalus development remains debated among studies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a critical intervention for managing intracranial hypertension secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or cerebrovascular disease.
- Hydrocephalus is a frequently observed complication following DC procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the existing literature and evaluate the relationship between decompressive craniectomy and the subsequent development of hydrocephalus.
- To identify potential predictors of hydrocephalus after DC.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of relevant medical literature was conducted.
- Studies discussing complications of decompressive craniectomy were analyzed.
- Data on hydrocephalus incidence and associated factors were extracted and synthesized.
Main Results:
- Common complications of DC include hematoma expansion, epilepsy, CSF leakage, infection, subdural effusion, and hydrocephalus.
- Identified hydrocephalus predictors include DC itself, hygroma, age, injury severity, hemorrhage, and delayed/repeated operations.
- However, the significance and consistency of these predictors varied across studies.
Conclusions:
- Decompressive craniectomy is associated with hydrocephalus, but the precise impact and causality remain controversial.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of DC in hydrocephalus development and to refine predictive models.
Abstract:
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is widely used to treat intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or cerebral vascular disease. Many studies have discussed complications of this procedure, and hydrocephalus is a common complication of DC. To further evaluate the relationship between DC and hydrocephalus, a review of the literature was performed. Numerous complications may arise after DC, including contusion or hematoma expansion, epilepsy, herniation of the cortex through a bone defect, CSF leakage through the scalp incision, infection, subdural effusion, hydrocephalus and "syndrome of the trephined". Several hydrocephalus predictors were identified; these included DC, distance from the midline, hygroma, age, injury severity, subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage, delayed time to craniotomy, repeated operation, and duraplasity. However, results differed among studies. The impact of DC on hydrocephalus remains controversial.
