Objective After a rigorous management of increased intracranial pressure by decompressive craniectomy (DC), cranioplasty (CP) is usually carried out for functional and cosmetic purposes. However, the optimal timing of CP remains controversial. Our study aims to analyze the relationship between the optimal timing of CP and the post-operative complications. Methods From January 2013 to December...

BACKGROUND Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is often performed as an empirical lifesaving measure to protect the injured brain from the damaging effects of propagating oedema and intracranial hypertension. However, there are no clearly defined indications or specified guidelines for patient selection for the procedure. AIMS To evaluate outcome determinants and factors important in patient selec...

Haralampos Gatos1, Eftychia Z. Kapsalaki2, Apostolos Komnos3 Konstantinos N. Paterakis1 and Kostas N. Fountas1 1Departments of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Larissa School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 2Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Larissa School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 3Department of Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Larissa, La...

We describe our experience with the previously described technique of preservation of the bone flap in a subgaleal pocket created over the intact side of the calvaria, discuss our experience of this method and review the literature to compare this method with other alternative techniques.

Dear Editor, We read with interest the recent article “Decompressive craniotomy for the treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery: mortality and outcomes”1. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) for stroke is a well-established procedure for saving lives, despite the potential risk of it leading to severe disability in some patients. Because most of the published data comes from ...

Cranioplasty is an in evitable operation conducted after decompressive craniectomy (DC). The primary goals of cranioplasty after DC are to protect the brain, achieve a natural appearance and prevent sinking skin flap syndrome (or syndrome of the trephined). Furthermore, restoring patients' functional outcome and supplementing external defects helps patients improve their self-esteem. Although e...