Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy in patients after traumatic brain injury

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in cerebral oedema and vascular changes resulting in an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP), which can lead to further secondary damage. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical option in the management of ICP. We aimed to investigate outcomes of DC after TBI. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective audit of 57 adult patients (aged > 15 years) who underwent DC after TBI, at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2011. Our functional outcome measure was the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE). RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 30 years (range, 17- 73 years). The hospital mortality rate was 47% (27 patients). A ..