Decompressive Craniectomy in Acute Brain Injury – Lifting the lid on Neurosurgical Practice

Abstract

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an effective method of controlling rising intracranial pressure (ICP) refractory to medical treatment in a range of conditions: traumatic brain injury in both adults and children, malignant middle cerebral artery infarction and following subarachnoid haemorrhage. Herein, we describe its indications, prognosis, current operative methods and postoperative management.