Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
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The use of decompressive craniectomy in children is controversial and often reserved for patients with refractory intracranial hypertension. Following decompression, skin closure in select cases can be challenging due to brain herniation and swelling through the craniectomy defect. In these cases, partial cortical debridement is sometimes performed. ⋯ We believe that use of a synthetic skin substitute for skin closure after decompression is a suitable option for closure of traumatic scalp wounds and may contribute to improved functional outcome in patients with severe intraoperative brain swelling.