A review on decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury: the mainstay method for neurotrauma patients

Raised intracranial pressure is common leading cause of mortality in patients suffering from a traumatic craniocerebral injury. Currently, head injury constitutes a major public health problem across the world. Decompressive craniectomy is currently emerging as a preferred treatment strategy for patients suffering from refractory intracranial hypertension, which is unresponsive to appropriate neurocritical care management. The meticulous execution of decompressive craniectomy requires an understanding of anatomy, the pathogenesis of raised intracranial pressure, meticulous surgical technique, proper planning in association with the competent anesthetic team and paramedical staff to provide improved neurological outcome, and a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity. We provide a review of the status and appropriate review of this surgical procedure. After over 100 years of the decompressive craniectomy (DC) procedure, clear indications are not present.Great variability exists for this technique, yielding variation in outcomes and creating comparative data.Decompressive craniectomy has been shown to decrease intracranial pressure and mortality.Decompressive craniectomy might increase vegetative state rates.