scholarly journals Cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy – Analysis of complication rates and neurological outcomes: A single center study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saraj Singh ◽  
Rakesh Singh ◽  
Kapil Jain ◽  
Bipin Walia

Background:Cranioplasty is the surgical intervention to repair cranial defects in both cosmetic and functional ways. Despite the fact that cranioplasty is a simple procedure, it is still associated with a relatively high complication rate, ranging between series from 12% to 50%.Methods:The author did a prospective cohort study of patients from August 2015 to December 2017, who had undergone decompressive craniectomy followed by cranioplasty after 6 weeks at our institution. All patients were followed up to 6 months after cranioplasty and complications were recorded both by imaging and clinically. The complications were classified as minor (subgaleal collection, seizures) who did not require the second surgery and major (hydrocephalus, bone flap infection) who required the second surgery. To find out neurological outcome, Glasgow coma score (GCS) and Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE) were recorded at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.Results:Overall complication rate in this study was 22.4% (16/72). Subgaleal collection was the most common complication (5.6%), followed by hydrocephalus (4.2%), seizure (4.2%), bone flap infection (2.8%), intracerebral hematoma (2.8%), empyema (1.4%), and subdural hematoma (SDH) (1.4%). Of these, 8.4% (n= 6/72) were major complication (hydrocephalusn= 3, bone flap infectionn= 2, and SDHn= 1) which required the second surgery. GCS and GOSE were assessed preoperatively and in postoperative period at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Both mean values of GCS and GOSE showed a significant improvement at 3 and 6 months after cranioplasty.Conclusion:Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy is associated with higher complication rate, but good neurological outcome after surgery always outweighs the complications.Key Message:Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy is associated with higher complication rate, but good neurological outcome after surgery always outweighs the complications. However, complications rate can be brought down by meticulous timing of cranioplasty in a patient of well-controlled comorbidities and precise surgical techniques. However, storing bone in bone bank is not an additional factor for any postcranioplasty complications which was considered previously.

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Fan ◽  
Yingying Su ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Hong Ye ◽  
Weibi Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The effect of hypothermia on large hemispheric infarction (LHI) remains controversial. Our study aimed to explore the therapeutic outcomes of decompressive craniectomy (DC) combined with hypothermia on LHI. Methods Patients were randomly divided into three groups: the DC group, the DC plus head surface cooling (DCSC) group and the DC plus endovascular hypothermia (DCEH) group. The DC group was maintained normothermia. The DCSC group received 24-h ice cap on the head for 7 days. While the DCEH group were given endovascular hypothermia (34 °C). Mortality and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months were evaluated. Results Thirty-four patients were included in the study. Mortality of the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups at discharge were 22.2% (2/9), 0% (0/14) and 9.1% (1/11), respectively. However, it increased to 44.4% (4/9), 21.4% (3/14) and 45.5% (5/11) at 6 months, respectively (p = 0.367). Pneumonia (8 cases) was the leading cause of death after discharge. Twelve cases (35.3%) achieved good neurological outcome (mRS 0–3) at 6 months. The proportions of good neurological outcome in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups were 22.2% (2/9 cases), 42.9% (6/14 cases) and 36.4% (4/11), respectively. The DCSC group seemed to have higher proportion of good outcomes, but there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.598). Among survivors, endovascular hypothermia had a higher proportion of good outcome (DC group, 2/5 cases, 40.0%; DCSC group, 6/11 cases, 54.5%; DCEH group, 4/6 cases, 66.7%; p = 0.696). The incidence of complications in the DCEH group was higher than those of the DC and DCSC groups (18.9%, 12.0%, and 12.1%, respectively; p = 0.025). Conclusions There is still no evidence to confirm that hypothermia further reduces long-term mortality and improves neurological outcomes in LHI patients with DC. However, there is a trend to benefit survivors from hypothermia. A local cooling method may be a better option for DC patients, which has little impact on systematic complications. Trial registration Decompressive Hemicraniectomy Combined Hypothermia in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct, ChiCTR-TRC-12002698. Registered 11 Oct 2012- Retrospectively registered, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=6854.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
F. W. Nangole ◽  
S. O. Khainga

This was a study to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of patients operated on with bilateral cleft lip through surgical outreach programs in Kenya between January 2006 and December 2011. Files for fifty-nine patients operated on during the study period were evaluated. The mean age for surgery was ten months with about forty-five percent of the patients more than one year of age. No presurgical orthopaedic devices were utilized on any of the patients. Mulliken surgical technique and the Manchester technique were the commonest surgical techniques in equal proportions. An overall complication rate of about 7.5 percent was noted. In conclusion we noted a delay in the surgical management of the majority of our patients. This resulted in a backlog of cases. There is thus a need to intensify more surgical outreach camps as well as training more surgeons to assist in the management of clefts. Cleft surgery is a relatively safe surgery that could be carried out in relatively remote centers through surgical outreach programs. This was evidenced by the low complication rates in our series.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Fan ◽  
Yingying Su ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Hong Ye ◽  
Weibi Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: To investigate the effects of decompressive craniectomy (DC) combined with hypothermia treatment on mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Methods: Patients within 48 hours of symptom onset were randomized to the following three groups: the DC group, the DC plus head surface cooling (DCSC) group and the DC plus endovascular hypothermia (DCEH) group. Patients in the DC group were given standard medical treatment with a normothermic target temperature. Patients in the DCSC group received standard medical treatment plus 24-hour ice cap on the head for 7 days. Patients in the DCEH group were given standard medical treatment plus endovascular hypothermia with a target temperature of 34°C. The primary end-points were mortality and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months.Results: There were 9 patients in the DC group, 14 patients in the DCSC group and 11 patients in the DCEH group. The mortality rates of the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups at the time of discharge were 22.2% (2/9), 0% (0/14) and 9.1% (1/11), respectively. At 6 months, the mortality rates in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups increased to 44.4% (4/9), 21.4% (3/14) and 45.5% (5/11), respectively (P=0.367). The most common cause of death after discharge was pneumonia (8 cases). Twelve cases (35.3%) achieved good neurological outcome (mRS 0-3) at 6 months. The proportions of good neurological outcome in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups were 22.2% (2/9 cases), 42.9% (6/14 cases) and 36.4% (4/11), respectively. The DCSC group seemed to have higher proportion of good outcomes, but there was no significant difference between groups (p=0.598). Among survivors, endovascular hypothermia had a higher proportion of good outcome, still without significant difference (DC group, 2/5 cases, 40.0%; DCSC group, 6/11 cases, 54.5%; DCEH group, 4/6 cases, 66.7%; p=0.696). The incidence of complications in the DCEH group was higher than those of the DC and DCSC groups (18.9%, 12.0%, and 12.1%, respectively; P=0.025).Conclusions: There is still no evidence to confirm that hypothermia further reduces long-term mortality and improves neurological outcomes in LHI patients with DC. However, there is a trend to benefit survivors from hypothermia. A local cooling method may be a better option for DC patients, which has little impact on systematic complications.Clinical Trial Registration - Decompressive Hemicraniectomy Combined Hypothermia in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct, ChiCTR-TRC-12002698. Registered 11 Oct 2012- Retrospectively registered, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn.


2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon G. Rocque ◽  
Kaushik Amancherla ◽  
Sean M. Lew ◽  
Sandi Lam

Cranioplasty is routinely performed following decompressive craniectomy in both adult and pediatric populations. In adults, this procedure is associated with higher rates of complications than is elective cranial surgery. This study is a review of the literature describing risk factors for complications after cranioplasty surgery in pediatric patients. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases was undertaken. Articles were selected based on their titles and abstracts. Only studies that focused on a pediatric population were included; case reports were excluded. Studies in which the authors assessed bone flap storage method, timing of cranioplasty, material used (synthetic vs autogenous), skull defect size, and/or complication rates (bone resorption and surgical site infection) were selected for further analysis. Eleven studies that included a total of 441 cranioplasties performed in the pediatric population are included in this review. The findings are as follows: 1) Based on analysis of pooled data, using cryopreserved bone flaps during cranioplasty may lead to a higher rate of bone resorption and lower rate of infection than using bone flaps stored at room temperature. 2) In 3 of 4 articles describing the effect of time between craniectomy and cranioplasty on complication rate, the authors found no significant effect, while in 1 the authors found that the incidence of bone resorption was significantly lower in children who had undergone early cranioplasty. Pooling of data was not possible for this analysis. 3) There are insufficient data to assess the effect of cranioplasty material on complication rate when considering only cranioplasties performed to repair decompressive craniectomy defects. However, when considering cranioplasties performed for any indication, those in which freshly harvested autograft is used may have a lower rate of resorption than those in which stored autograft is used. 4) There is no appreciable effect of craniectomy defect size or patient age on complication rate. There is a paucity of articles describing outcomes and complications following cranioplasty in children and adolescents. However, based on the studies examined in this systematic review, there are reasons to suspect that method of flap preservation, timing of surgery, and material used may be significant. Larger prospective and retrospective studies are needed to shed more light on this important issue.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ashish Chugh ◽  
Prashant Punia ◽  
Sarang Gotecha

Introduction. Complications following craniotomy are not uncommon and Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome (SSFS) constitutes a rare entity that may present after a large Decompressive Craniectomy. Although the entity is widely reported, the literature mostly consists of case reports. Authors present a case series of three patients with review of literature highlighting the various factors which can prove therapeutic and can help in avoidance of complications. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years, from 2016 to 2019, and included 212 patients who underwent unilateral Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) for trauma in our institute. All 212 patients underwent a similar DC following a strict institutional protocol and the craniectomies were performed by the same surgical team. At total of 160 patients survived and elective cranioplasty was planned at a 3-month interval. Out of a total of 160 patients who survived, 38 developed hydrocephalus, 3 patients presented with hydrocephalus acutely and had to be shunted before cranioplasty and underwent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting on the opposite side of craniectomy. All 3 of these patients developed SSFS and were the focus of this case series wherein review of literature was done with emphasis being laid on the salient features towards management of SSFS in such precranioplasty shunted patients. These 3 patients were treated via rehydration using normal saline (NS) till the Central Venous Pressure (CVP) equaled 8–10 cm of water, nursing in Trendelenburg position and shunt occlusion using silk 3-0 round bodied suture tied over a “C”-loop of VP shunt tube over clavicle. This was followed by cranioplasty within 2 days of presentation using a flattened, nonconvex artificial Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) bone flap with central hitch suture taken across the bone flap and release of shunt tie in immediate postoperative period. The PMMA bone flap was made intraoperatively after measuring the defect size accurately after exposure of defect. 3D printing option was not availed by any patient considering the high cost and patients’ poor socioeconomic status. Results. Out of a total of 212 patients, thirty-eight patients (19%) developed posttraumatic hydrocephalus and out of 38, three presented with SSFS over the course of time. Two patients presented with hemiparesis of the side opposite to sunken flap while 1 other patient was brought by relatives in stuporous state. All 3 were subjected to VP shunt tie, rehydration, and cranioplasty using flattened artificial bone flap and showed gradual recovery in postoperative period without any complications. Conclusion. Various factors like nursing in Trendelenburg position, adequate rehydration, early cranioplasty after resolution of oedema, preoperative tying of VP shunt and its subsequent release in immediate postoperative period, use of flattened PMMA bone flaps, placement of a central dural hitch suture across the bone, and a preoperative central burr hole in the bone flap may accelerate healing and, in most cases, reversal of sensory-motor deficits along with reduction in complication rates.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Fan ◽  
Yingying Su ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Hong Ye ◽  
Weibi Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The effect of hypothermia on large hemispheric infarction (LHI) remains controversial. Our study aimed to explore the therapeutic outcomes of decompressive craniectomy (DC) combined with hypothermia on LHI.Methods: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: the DC group, the DC plus head surface cooling (DCSC) group and the DC plus endovascular hypothermia (DCEH) group. The DC group was maintained normothermia. The DCSC group received 24-hour ice cap on the head for 7 days. While the DCEH group were given endovascular hypothermia (34°C ). Mortality and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months were evaluated.Results: Thirty-four patients were included in the study. Mortality of the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups at discharge were 22.2% (2/9), 0% (0/14) and 9.1% (1/11), respectively. However, it increased to 44.4% (4/9), 21.4% (3/14) and 45.5% (5/11) at 6 months, respectively (P=0.367) . Pneumonia (8 cases) was the leading cause of death after discharge. Twelve cases (35.3%) achieved good neurological outcome (mRS 0-3) at 6 months. The proportions of good neurological outcome in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups were 22.2% (2/9 cases), 42.9% (6/14 cases) and 36.4% (4/11), respectively. The DCSC group seemed to have higher proportion of good outcomes, but there was no significant difference between groups (p=0.598). Among survivors, endovascular hypothermia had a higher proportion of good outcome (DC group, 2/5 cases, 40.0%; DCSC group, 6/11 cases, 54.5%; DCEH group, 4/6 cases, 66.7%; p=0.696). The incidence of complications in the DCEH group was higher than those of the DC and DCSC groups (18.9%, 12.0%, and 12.1%, respectively; P=0.025).Conclusions: There is still no evidence to confirm that hypothermia further reduces long-term mortality and improves neurological outcomes in LHI patients with DC. However, there is a trend to benefit survivors from hypothermia. A local cooling method may be a better option for DC patients, which has little impact on systematic complications.Clinical Trial Registration-Decompressive Hemicraniectomy Combined Hypothermia in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct, ChiCTR-TRC-12002698. Registered 11 Oct 2012- Retrospectively registered, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Fan ◽  
Yingying Su ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Hong Ye ◽  
Weibi Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundTo investigate the effects of decompressive craniectomy (DC) combined with hypothermia treatment on mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).MethodsPatients within 48 hours of symptom onset were randomized to the following three groups: the DC group, the DC plus head surface cooling (DCSC) group and the DC plus endovascular hypothermia (DCEH) group. Patients in the DC group were given standard medical treatment with a normothermic target temperature. Patients in the DCSC group received standard medical treatment plus 24-hour ice cap on the head for 7 days. Patients in the DCEH group were given standard medical treatment plus endovascular hypothermia with a target temperature of 34 °C. The primary end-points were mortality and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months.ResultsThere were 9 patients in the DC group, 14 patients in the DCSC group and 11 patients in the DCEH group. The mortality rates of the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups at the time of discharge were 22.2% (2/9), 0% (0/14) and 9.1% (1/11), respectively. At 6 months, the mortality rates in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups increased to 44.4% (4/9), 21.4% (3/14) and 45.5% (5/11), respectively (P = 0.367). The most common cause of death after discharge was pneumonia (8 cases). Twelve cases (35.3%) achieved good neurological outcome (mRS 0–3) at 6 months. The proportions of good neurological outcome in the DC, DCSC and DCEH groups were 22.2% (2/9 cases), 42.9% (6/14 cases) and 36.4% (4/11), respectively. The DCSC group seemed to have higher proportion of good outcomes, but there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.598). Among survivors, endovascular hypothermia had a higher proportion of good outcome, still without significant difference (DC group, 2/5 cases, 40.0%; DCSC group, 6/11 cases, 54.5%; DCEH group, 4/6 cases, 66.7%; p = 0.696). The incidence of complications in the DCEH group was higher than those of the DC and DCSC groups (18.9%, 12.0%, and 12.1%, respectively; P = 0.025).ConclusionsThere is still no evidence to confirm that hypothermia further reduces long-term mortality and improves neurological outcomes in LHI patients with DC. However, there is a trend to benefit survivors from hypothermia. A local cooling method may be a better option for DC patients, which has little impact on systematic complications.Clinical Trial Registration-Decompressive Hemicraniectomy Combined Hypothermia in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct, ChiCTR-TRC-12002698. Registered 11 Oct 2012- Retrospectively registered,URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn.


Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivagowry Rasalingam Mørk ◽  
Carsten Stengaard ◽  
Louise Linde ◽  
Jacob Eifer Møller ◽  
Lisette Okkels Jensen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or Impella has shown potential as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to describe the gradual implementation, survival and adherence to the national consensus with respect to use of MCS for OHCA in Denmark, and to identify factors associated with outcome. Methods This retrospective, observational cohort study included patients receiving MCS for OHCA at all tertiary cardiac arrest centers (n = 4) in Denmark between July 2011 and December 2020. Logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used to determine association with outcome. Outcome was presented as survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcome, 30-day survival and predictors of 30-day mortality. Results A total of 259 patients were included in the study. Thirty-day survival was 26%. Sixty-five (25%) survived to hospital discharge and a good neurological outcome (Glasgow–Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories 1–2) was observed in 94% of these patients. Strict adherence to the national consensus showed a 30-day survival rate of 30% compared with 22% in patients violating one or more criteria. Adding criteria to the national consensus such as signs of life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pre-hospital low-flow < 100 min, pH > 6.8 and lactate < 15 mmol/L increased the survival rate to 48%, but would exclude 58% of the survivors from the current cohort. Logistic regression identified asystole (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.57), pulseless electrical activity (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.41), initial pH < 6.8 (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.46) and lactate levels > 15 mmol/L (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16–1.53) as factors associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients presenting signs of life during CPR had reduced risk of 30-day mortality (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52–0.76). Conclusions A high survival rate with a good neurological outcome was observed in this Danish population of patients treated with MCS for OHCA. Stringent patient selection for MCS may produce higher survival rates but potentially withholds life-saving treatment in a significant proportion of survivors.


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