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Expansion-Floating Craniotomy as a Novel Alternative Technique for Decompressive Craniectomy: A Technical Note.
Mingliang Ren1, Qiumeng Li1, Zhong Liu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
World Neurosurgery
|July 19, 2025
Summary
Expansion-floating craniotomy offers a new surgical approach for brain decompression, achieving similar results to traditional methods but without bone flap removal. This technique may reduce complications and improve cosmetic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty carry significant risks.
- A novel expansion-floating craniotomy technique is introduced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new surgical method for brain decompression.
- To achieve decompressive volume comparable to decompressive craniectomy.
- To facilitate simple bone flap repositioning.
Main Methods:
- The bone flap is elevated and secured with plates for decompression.
- Plates are released to allow spontaneous bone flap repositioning as swelling subsides.
Main Results:
- Successfully performed in 4 emergent cases.
- Achieved desired decompression volume while preserving the bone flap.
- Observed bone flap outward mobility in 2 patients with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Expansion-floating craniotomy offers optimal decompression without bone flap removal.
- May reduce complications, improve cosmetic results, and simplify repositioning.
- Maintains appropriate intracranial pressure and potentially lowers costs.
Keywords:
Cerebral edemaCranioplastyDecompressive craniectomyExpansion-floating craniotomyIntracranial hypertensionSurgical technique
