The efficacy of external decompression for severe traumatic brain injury

Objective To explore the efficacy of large decompressive craniectomy for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods The clinical data on 72 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who had been admitted to our hospital during the period of January 2009 to August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.All the patients were treated by large decompressive craniectomy.Results 64 of the 72 patients survived; while 8 died intraoperatively and postoperatively because of delayed treatment.The survivors were graded according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) in a follow-up of 1 to 2 years.38 survivors has better recovery,14 were moderately disable,9 were severely disable,and 3 were in vegetative state.Of 8 patients who were dead,4 died of severe brainstem injury,2 died of severe complications,and the rest 2 died from abandonment of treatment.Conclusions Large decompressive craniectomy is efficacious in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. Key words: Severe traumatic brain injury; External decompression; Efficacy