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From decompressive craniectomy to cranioplasty and beyond—a pediatric neurosurgery perspective

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Abstract

Purpose

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established neurosurgical emergency technique. Patient selection, optimal timing, and technical aspects related to DC and subsequent cranioplasty remain subjects of debate. For children, the overall degree of evidence is low, compared with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults.

Methods

Here, we present a detailed retrospective analysis of pediatric DC, covering the primary procedure and cranioplasty. Results are analyzed and discussed in the light of modern scientific evidence, and conclusions are drawn to stimulate future research.

Results

The main indication for DC in children is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Primary and secondary DC is performed with similar frequency. Outcome appears to be better than that in adults, although long-term complications (especially bone flap resorption after autologous cranioplasty) are more common in children. Overt clinical signs of cerebral herniation prior to DC are predictors of poor outcome.

Conclusions

We conclude that DC is an important option in the armamentarium to treat life-threatening intracranial hypertension, but further research is warranted, preferentially in a multicenter prospective registry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Thomas Beez, Christopher Munoz-Bendix, Sebastian Alexander Ahmadi, Hans-Jakob Steiger & Kerim Beseoglu

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  1. Thomas Beez
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Beez, T., Munoz-Bendix, C., Ahmadi, S.A. et al. From decompressive craniectomy to cranioplasty and beyond—a pediatric neurosurgery perspective. Childs Nerv Syst 35, 1517–1524 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04303-z

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