Decompressive craniectomy: an effective but underutilized option for intracranial pressure management

Introduction Decompressive Craniectomy is an effective option in the management of intractable intracranial hypertension.Aim and objectives Neuronal conservation can be achieved by aggressive decompression (hemicraniectomy).Material and methods In this series 12 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or Results The outcomes were prospectively evaluated. Eight patients were victims of traumatic brain injury. There were two patients who had suffered malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarctions, one patient had a cerebral venous thrombosis and one, an intracerebral hematoma. Four patients in this cohort died, while five had good outcomes.Conclusion The rationale and role of this relatively easy but underutilised procedure are discussed.