Is There a Place for Cerebrospinal Fluid External Lumbar Drainage in Posttraumatic Intracranial Hypertension? Pros,
Juan Antonio Llompart-Pou1, Jon Pérez-Bárcena2, Chiara Robba3,4
1Servei de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears, Palma, Spain. juanantonio.llompart@ssib.es.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid external lumbar drainage can help control intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury patients. However, potential life-threatening complications necessitate a careful balance of benefits against risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Refractory intracranial hypertension is a critical complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) external lumbar drainage (ELD) is a potential management strategy for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).
Abstract:
Although different single-center series have shown the beneficial effects of cerebrospinal fluid external lumbar drainage in intracranial pressure control in patients with traumatic brain injury presenting with refractory intracranial hypertension, benefits must be balanced with potential life-threatening complications. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons and the uncertainties related to the use of cerebrospinal fluid external lumbar drainage in patients with traumatic brain injury.
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