To investigate the timing, mode and prognosis of posterior fossa suboccipital decompression for massive cerebral infarction.

The clinical data of patients with large area cerebellar infarction who met the inclusion criteria from January 2010 to February 2018 in Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ji’nan Military Area were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent posterior fossa suboccipital decompression within 24 h after the diagnosis was confirmed by CT and MRI. If acute hydrocephalus occurred, ventricular drainage was performed first, and then posterior fossa suboccipital decompression was performed.

There were 12 cases in this group. Preoperative CT showed hydrocephalus in 4 cases. Ventricular puncture and drainage were performed before cranial fossa decompression. According to GOS prognostic score, 7 cases were good, 2 cases were moderately disabled, 1 case was severely disabled, 1 case was vegetative survival and 1 case died.

Posterior cranial fossa decompression can avoid progressive deterioration of clinical symptoms and improve prognosis in large area of cerebellar infarction.