Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
10:35

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances

Published on: July 5, 2011

46.9K

Surgical complications of decompressive craniectomy in patients with head injury

J Mork, J Mraček, D Štěpánek

    Rozhledy V Chirurgii : Mesicnik Ceskoslovenske Chirurgicke Spolecnosti
    |September 25, 2020
    PubMed

    Insights

    Decompressive craniectomy for head injury often leads to complications, affecting patient outcomes. Haemocoagulation disorders significantly increase complication risk, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and monitoring.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurosurgery
    • Trauma Surgery
    • Critical Care Medicine

    Background:

    • Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a crucial intervention for managing refractory intracranial hypertension following head injury.
    • While effective, DC is associated with a range of potential complications that can impact patient recovery.
    • Understanding the incidence and risk factors for these complications is vital for optimizing patient care.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the incidence of complications following decompressive craniectomy in patients with head injury.
    • To identify and analyze potential risk factors associated with these postoperative complications.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 94 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for head injury between January 2014 and December 2018.
    • Postoperative complications were assessed using clinical examinations and CT scans.
    • Risk factors evaluated included patient age, initial clinical condition, and presence of haemocoagulation disorders.

    Main Results:

    • A high incidence of complications was observed, with 83% of patients experiencing at least one complication and 49% having multiple complications.
    • Common complications included subgaleal/subdural haematoma (32%), cerebrospinal fluid effusion (31%), and soft tissue oedema (31%).
    • Patients with haemocoagulation disorders showed a significantly higher incidence of complications (p=0.01).

    Conclusions:

    • Complications are frequent after decompressive craniectomy in head injury patients.
    • The occurrence of numerous complications can negatively influence the therapeutic benefits of decompressive craniectomy.
    • Identifying and mitigating risk factors, such as haemocoagulation disorders, is essential.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    complicationsdecompressive craniectomytraumatic brain injury

    More Related Videos

    Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury05:01

    Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury

    Published on: August 16, 2019

    10.9K
    A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation06:50

    A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation

    Published on: June 10, 2020

    2.1K

    Related Concept Videos

    Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

    A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
    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 expands, CSF and venous blood...
    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 with...
    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 barrier loses...