Decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury: prognostic factors and complications

Incidence of hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy for ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) following malignant ischaemic stroke is a potentially life-saving procedure. Event rates of ventriculomegaly following DC performed in this setting remain poorly defined. Accordingly, we performed a systematic review to determine the incidence of hydrocephalus and the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion following DC for malignant stroke.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries were searched from database inception to 17 July 2021. Our search strategy consisted of "Decompressive Craniectomy", AND "Ischaemic stroke", AND "Hydrocephalus", along with synonyms. Through screening abstracts and then full texts, studies reporting on rates of ventriculomegaly following DC to treat ischaemic stroke were included for analysis. Event rates were calculated for both of these outcomes. A risk of bias assessment was performed to determine the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

From an initial 1117 articles, 12 were included following full-text screening. All were of retrospective design. The 12 included studies reported on 677 patients, with the proportion experiencing hydrocephalus/ventriculomegaly being 0.38 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.53). Ten studies incorporating 523 patients provided data on the need for permanent CSF diversion, with 0.10 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.13) requiring a shunt. The included studies were overall of high methodological quality and rigour.

CONCLUSION

Though hydrocephalus is relatively common following DC in this clinical setting, only a minority of patients are deemed to require permanent CSF diversion. Clinicians should be aware of the incidence of this complication and counsel patients and families appropriately.

Decompressive Craniectomy in the Management of Low Glasgow Coma Score Patients With Extradural Hematoma: A Review of Literature and Guidelines

An extradural hematoma (EDH), also known as an epidural hematoma, is a collection of blood between the inner skull table and the dura mater. It is restricted by the coronal, lambdoid, and sagittal sutures, as these are dural insertions. EDH most frequently occurs in 10- to 40-year-old patients. EDH is uncommon after age 60, as dura matter adheres firmly to the inner skull table. EDH is more common among men as compared to women. EDH most commonly occurs in the temporo-frontal regions and can also be seen in the parieto-occipital, parasagittal regions, and middle and posterior fossae. An EDH contributes approximately 2% of total head injuries and 15% of total fatal head injuries. In EDH, patients typically have a persistent, severe headache, and also, following a few hours of injury, they gradually lose consciousness. The primary bleeding vessels for EDH are the middle meningeal artery, middle meningeal vein, and torn dural venous sinuses. EDH is one of the many consequences of severe traumatic brain injuries that might lead to death. EDH is potentially a lethal condition that requires immediate intervention as, if left untreated, it can lead to growing transtentorial herniation, diminished consciousness, dilated pupils, and other neurological problems. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) imaging is the gold standard of investigation for diagnosing EDH. For patients with surgical indications, early craniotomy and evacuation of acute extradural hematoma (AEDH) is the gold standard procedure and is predicted to have significant clinical results. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate regarding the best surgical operations for AEDH. Neurosurgeons must choose between a decompressive craniectomy (DC) or a craniotomy to manage EDH, especially in patients with low Glasgow coma scores, to have a better prognosis and clinical results. This is a consultant-based review article in which we have tried to contemplate various pieces of available literature. Here, the objective is to hypothesize DC as the primary surgical management for massive hematoma, which usually presents as a low Glasgow coma score. This is because DC was found to be beneficial in clinical practice.

Long-term outcome after severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Expectation of long-term outcome is an important factor in treatment decision-making after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Conclusive long-term outcome data substantiating these decisions is nowadays lacking. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the scientific literature on long-term outcome after sTBI.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed from 2008 to 2020. Studies were included when reporting long-term outcome ≥ 2 years after sTBI (GCS 3-8 or AIS head score ≥ 4), using standardized outcome measures. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUIPS tool.

RESULTS

Twenty observational studies were included. Studies showed substantial variation in study objectives and study methodology. GOS-E (n = 12) and GOS (n = 8) were the most frequently used outcome measures. Mortality was reported in 46% of patients (range 18-75%). Unfavourable outcome rates ranged from 29 to 100% and full recovery was seen in 21-27% of patients. Most surviving patients reported SF-36 scores lower than the general population.

CONCLUSION

Literature on long-term outcome after sTBI was limited and heterogeneous. Mortality and unfavourable outcome rates were high and persisting sequelae on multiple domains common. Nonetheless, a considerable proportion of survivors achieved favourable outcome. Future studies should incorporate standardized multidimensional and temporal long-term outcome measures to strengthen the evidence-base for acute and subacute decision-making.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Expectation of long-term outcome is an important factor in treatment decision-making for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). 2. Favourable outcome and full recovery after sTBI are possible, but mortality and unfavourable outcome rates are high. 3. sTBI survivors are likely to suffer from a wide range of long-term consequences, underscoring the need for long-term and multi-modality outcome assessment in future studies. 4. The quality of the scientific literature on long-term outcome after sTBI can and should be improved to advance treatment decision-making.

Controlled Decompression Attenuates Compressive Injury following Traumatic Brain Injury via TREK-1-Mediated Inhibition of Necroptosis and Neuroinflammation

Decompressive craniectomy is an effective strategy to reduce intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it is related to many postoperative complications, such as delayed intracranial hematoma and diffuse brain swelling. Our previous studies have demonstrated that controlled decompression (CDC) surgery attenuates brain injury and reduces the rate of complications after TBI. Here, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms of CDC in experimental models. The in vitro experiments were performed in a traumatic neuronal injury (TNI) model following compression treatment in primary cultured cortical neurons. We found that compression aggravates TNI-induced neuronal injury, which was significantly attenuated by CDC for 2 h or 3 h. The results of immunocytochemistry showed that CDC reduced neuronal necroptosis and activation of RIP3 induced by TNI and compression, with no effect on RIP1 activity. These protective effects were associated with decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and preserved intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis. In addition, the expression of the two-pore domain K⁺ channel TREK-1 and its activity was increased by compression and prolonged by CDC. Treatment with the TREK-1 blockers, spadin or SID1900, could partially prevent the effects of CDC on intracellular Ca²⁺ metabolism, necroptosis, and neuronal injury following TNI and compression. Using a traumatic intracranial hypertension model in rats, we found that CDC for 20 min or 30 min was effective in alleviating brain edema and locomotor impairment in vivo. CDC significantly inhibited neuronal necroptosis and neuroinflammation and increased TREK-1 activation, and the CDC-induced protection in vivo was attenuated by spadin and SID1900. In summary, CDC is effective in alleviating compressive neuronal injury both in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with the TREK-1-mediated attenuation of intracellular Ca²⁺ overload, neuronal necroptosis, and neuroinflammation.

The Retroauricular Incision as an Effective and Safe Alternative Incision for Decompressive Hemicraniectomy

BACKGROUND

The reverse question mark (RQM) incision has been traditionally utilized to perform decompressive hemicraniectomies (DHC) to relieve refractory intracranial hypertension. Alternative incisions have been proposed in the literature but have not been compared directly.

OBJECTIVE

To present the retroauricular (RA) incision as an alternative incision that we hypothesize will increase calvarium exposure to maximize the removal of the hemicranium and will decrease wound-related complications compared to the RQM incision.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of all DHCs performed at our institution over a span of 34 mo, stratified based on the type of scalp incision. The surface areas of the cranial defects were calculated, normalizing to their respective skull diameters. For those patients surviving beyond 1 wk, complications were examined from both cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients in the RQM group and 43 patients in the RA group were included. The average surface area for the RA and RQM incisions was 117.0 and 107.8 cm2 (P = .0009), respectively. The ratio of average defect size to skull size for RA incision was 0.81 compared to 0.77 for the RQM group (P = .0163). Of those who survived beyond 1 wk, the absolute risk for surgical site complications was 14.0% and 8.3% for RQM and RA group (P = .5201), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The RA incision provides a safe and effective alternative incision to the traditional RQM incision used for DHC. This incision affords a potentially larger craniectomy while mitigating postoperative wound complications.

Prediction of early mortality after primary decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Objectives

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide major health problem associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Intracranial hypertension following TBI is the main but not the only cause of early mortality. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is used to decrease the intracranial pressure (ICP) and prevent brain herniation following TBI; however, the clinical outcome after DC for patients with TBI generates continuous debate. Prediction of early mortality after DC will help in making the surgery decision.

The aim of this study is to predict early mortality after DC based on the initial clinical and radiological findings.

Methods

In this study, 104 patients with severe traumatic brain injury have been treated by decompressive craniectomy and were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups; group I involved 32 patients who died within 28 days while group II involved 72 patients who survived after 28 days. The relationship between initial Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS), pupil size and reactivity, associated injuries, and radiological findings were analyzed as predictor factors for early mortality.

Results

A total of 104 patients with severe TBI have been treated by DC and were analyzed; the early mortality occurred in 32 patients, 30.77%. There is a significant difference between groups in gender, mean GCS, Marshall scale, presence of isochoric pupils, and lung injury.

After stratification, odds of early mortality increases with the lower GCS, higher Marshall scale, lung injury, and abdominal injury while male gender and the presence of isochoric pupils decrease the odds of mortality. After univariate regression, the significant impact of GCS disappears except for GCS-8 which decreases the odds of mortality in comparison to other GCS scores while higher Marshall scale, presence of isochoric pupils, and lung injury increase the odds of mortality, but most of these effects disappear after multiple regressions except for lung injury and isochoric pupils.

Conclusion

Prediction of early mortality after DC is multifactorial, but the odds of early mortality after decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury are progressively increased with the lower GCS, higher Marshall scale, and the presence of lung or abdominal injury.

Cranioplasty as the treatment for contralateral subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy: a case report and review of the relevant literature

Subdural effusion (SDE) is a common complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC). This current case report describes a patient with contralateral SDE with a typical clinical course. Initially, he made a good recovery following a head trauma that caused a loss of consciousness and was treated with decompressive craniectomy. However, he only achieved temporary relief after each percutaneous fluid aspiration from an Ommaya reservoir implanted into the cavity of the SDE. He was eventually transferred to the authors’ hospital where he underwent cranioplasty, which finally lead to the reduction and disappearance of his contralateral SDE. Unexpectedly, his clinical condition deteriorated again 2 weeks after the cranioplasty with symptoms of an uncontrolled bladder. A subsequent CT scan found the apparent expansion of the whole cerebral ventricular system, indicating symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus. He then underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure, which resulted in a favourable outcome and he was discharged 2 weeks later. A review of the current literature identified only 14 cases of contralateral SDE that were cured by cranioplasty alone. The mechanism of contralateral SDE has been widely discussed. Although the exact mechanism of contralateral SDE and why cranioplasty is effective remain unclear, cranioplasty could be an alternative treatment option for contralateral SDE.

Outcomes of patients undergoing craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury with brain herniation: A retrospective study

The treatment of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with brain herniation is challenging because outcomes are often associated with high mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to identity factors contributing to decompressive craniectomy (DC) and evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with severe TBI with brain herniation.In this retrospective study, we analyzed medical records of severe TBI with brain herniation from May 2009 to December 2013. We reviewed their demographic data, mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupil status, computed tomography findings, surgical treatment methods, time interval between brain herniation and surgery, as well as outcomes. GCS and pupil status are clinical parameters for detecting increase intracranial pressure while brain parenchyma bulged above the inner plate of the skull during operation indicated brain swelling as well as increased intracranial pressure on which basis the decision to perform DC or craniotomy was determined intraoperatively.One hundred ninety-four patients were included in the study. We performed DC in 143 of the patients while 51 of them we performed craniotomy. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, gender, or injury mechanism between the 2 groups. GCS, pupillary dilation, midline shift, hematoma type and timing of surgery were associated with DC. Nevertheless, logistic regression analysis revealed that hematoma type and timing of surgery were significantly associated with favorable DC outcomes (P < .001 and P = .023). Subdural hematoma and timing of surgery >1 hour were both identified as risk factors for DC. Six months after TBI, 34.0% of patients exhibited favorable outcomes. Overall mortality rate was 30.4%. Age, GCS, pupil dilation, hematoma type, and timing of surgery were all associated with patient outcomes. Further logistic regression analysis revealed that, lower GCS, bilateral pupil dilation, timing of surgery >1 hour, and advanced age were independent risk factors for poor outcomes (P = .001, P = .037, P = .028, and P = .001, respectively).Our study revealed that, DC is not mandatory for all TBI patients with brain herniation. Nevertheless, DC decreases mortality rate in severe TBI patients with brain herniation. Subdural hematoma and timing of surgery >1 hour are key indicators for DC. Lower GCS, bilateral pupil dilation, delayed timing of surgery and advance age are indicators of poor outcomes.

Development of Posttraumatic Hydrocephalus Requiring Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt After Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniotomy (DC) is a known risk factor for the development of posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in the patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Herein, the present study reported the development of PTH requiring ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt after DC for TBI.

METHODS

Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched from 1983 to April 2018. The studies evaluating the prevalence of PTH requiring VP shunt after DC in the patients with TBIwere selected without language restriction. A random-effects meta-analysis using event rate (ER) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs), was runby RevMan5.3 software.

RESULTS

Out of 355 studies obtained from the databases, 25 studies were included and analyzed in the meta-analysis. The studies included 2402 patients undergoing DC for TBI, 354 of whohad PTH. The pooled ER of hydrocephalus in the patients undergoing DC for TBI was 17.7% [95%CI: 13.2 to 23.4%; P<0.001]. In addition, the pooled analysis showed that ER of hydrocephalus was 13% in adults [95%CI: 9 to 18.5%; P<0.001] and 37.6% in children [95%CI: 27.79 to 48.7%; P=0.029; I2=0%].

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that DC after TBI was associated with the development of PTH, especially in children compared to adults.

Number of Fractured Calvarial Bones Predicts Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients After Early Craniotomy

BACKGROUND

Prognostic markers are important for neurosurgeons to evaluate the indications for aggressive surgical management. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the number of fractured calvarial bones could predict the outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) after early craniotomy.

METHODS

TBI patients who underwent early craniotomy were reviewed. The number of fractured calvarial bones was recorded by referring to preoperative computed tomographic (CT) images. Accordingly, patients were assigned to no calvarial fracture group, single calvarial fracture group, and multiple calvarial fractures group. Good outcome was defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 and 5 at discharge. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of calvarial fracture on outcome. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for the final model.

RESULTS

In all, a total of 141 patients were enrolled. Patients with no calvarial fracture had a significantly lower rate of good outcome (12.5%) than did those with a single calvarial fracture (62.2%, P < 0.001) and those with multiple calvarial fractures (48.6%, P = 0.005). Binary logistic regression showed that the number of fractured calvarial bones was an independent imaging marker for predicting outcome (P = 0.003) after adjustment for age, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, and decompressive craniectomy. The area under the curve of the final model was 0.863.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of fractured calvarial bones is an independent predictor of outcome in TBI patients after early craniotomy. No calvarial facture is associated with poor outcome in these patients.

Outcome Determinants of Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury; A Single Center Experience from Southern Iran

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the determinants of outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) in a large level I trauma center in southern Iran.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted during an 18-month period from 2013 to 2014 in Shahid Rajaei hospital, a Level I trauma center in Southern Iran. Patients with TBI who had undergone DC were included and the medical charts were reviewed regarding demographics, clinical, radiological and outcome characteristics. The outcome was determined by extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOS-E) after one year of surgery. The variables were compared between those with favorable and unfavorable outcome to investigate the outcome determinants.

RESULTS

Overall 142 patients with mean age of 34.8 ± 15.5 (ranging from 15 to 85) years were included. There were 127 (89.4%) men and 15 (10.6%) women among the patients. After 1-year, the mortality rate was 58 (40.8%) and 8 (5.6%) patients were persistent vegetative state. The final outcome was found to be unfavorable in 77 (54.2%) patients.  Unfavorable outcome was associated with lower GCS on admission (p<0.001) as well as occurrence of postoperative hydrocephalus (p=0.011). Formation of the postoperative subdural hygroma after the operation was found to be associated with favorable outcome (p=0.019).

CONCLUSION

DC in patients with TBI is associated with favorable outcome in most of them. On admission GCS, postoperative hydrocephalus and presence of postoperative subdural hygroma are among the important predictors of outcome in TBI patients undergoing DC.