Abstract:

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) as a rescue operation has been widely recognized in the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension caused by stroke, severe traumatic brain injury, intracranial infection, spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and other diseases. While saving lives, various forms of postoperative complications have also been widely concerned. Complications mainly include postoperative encephalocele, intracranial infection, secondary epilepsy, subdural effusion, communicating hydrocephalus, abnormal brain hernia and skin flap sinking syndrome, etc., and its pathogenesis is not clear. Early cranioplasty can improve the neurological symptoms of patients after decompression craniectomy, and significantly reduce the incidence of complications such as postoperative hydrocephalus, subdural effusion, etc. However, the timing node of early cranioplasty remains controversial, which requires more clinical studies to clarify. This article mainly summarizes the types, onset time and prevention methods of complications related to skull defect after decompressive craniectomy, in order to provide reference for clinical physicians.

Key words: Decompressive craniectomy, Complications, Cranioplasty, Skull defect