Primary Decompressive Craniectomy: Effects on Neurocritical Care Management, Long-Term Neurologic Status and Mortality

Objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical therapy used to treat patients foreseen to be at risk for high intracranial pressure (ICP). In this retrospective case control study, mortality, ICP values, neurocritical care (NCC) management necessity, and long-term neurologic status were examined in patients treated with DC and in a matched control group. Methods: The primary end-points were all-cause mortality and functional status of NCC patients both at discharge and at a 6 month follow-up. Secondary end-points were ICP values at established time points and the use of advanced NCC therapies. Patients who underwent primary DC were matched with individuals with similar demographic and pre-intervention ICP values who had been treated with standard NCC management alone. Results : Neurologic status outcome at discharge and the 6 month follow-up was significantly better in patients treated with DC compared to those in the control group: Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 4-5 in 15 versus 5 patients; p = 0.033, and 16 versus 6 patients, p = 0.033. Mortality at 6 months was similar in the study groups (10 versus 16 patients; p = 0.212). ICP values were similar at NCC admission but were better controlled 24 hours after DC than in the control group. Fewer patients treated with DC needed advanced NCC medical therapies. Conclusions: DC is an effective way to normalize ICP levels while reducing the need for aggressive medical therapies. Survival rate and neurological outcome in patients treated with DC were found to be better than in those receiving only medical treatment.