• Gaétane Gouello, Olivier Hamel, Karim Asehnoune, Eric Bord, Roger Robert, and Kevin Buffenoir.
• Service de Neurotraumatologie et Neurochirurgie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France.
• ScientificWorldJournal. 2014 Jan 1;2014:207585.

BackgroundDecompressive craniectomy can be proposed in the management of severe traumatic brain injury. Current studies report mixed results, preventing any clear conclusions on the place of decompressive craniectomy in traumatology.MethodsThe objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of all decompressive craniectomies performed between 2005 and 2011 for refractory intracranial hypertension after severe traumatic brain injury. Sixty patients were included. Clinical parameters (Glasgow scale, pupillary examination) and radiological findings (Marshall CT scale) were analysed. Complications, clinical outcome, and early and long-term Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were evaluated after surgery. Finally, the predictive value of preoperative parameters to guide the clinician's decision to perform craniectomy was studied.ResultsCraniectomy was unilateral in 58 cases and the mean bone flap area was 100 cm(2). Surgical complications were observed in 6.7% of cases. Mean followup was 30 months and a favourable outcome was obtained in 50% of cases. The initial Glasgow Scale was the only statistically significant predictive factor for long-term outcome.ConclusionDespite the discordant results in the literature, this study demonstrates that decompressive craniectomy is useful for the management of refractory intracranial hypertension after severe traumatic brain injury.

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