Decompressive Craniectomy in Neurocritical Care

Neurosurgeons increasingly use decompressive craniectomy (DC) in neurocritical care. In this review, the authors summarize the topic of DC for the neurointensivist. Following a brief overview of the procedure, the major indications for the procedure are described. This includes a review of the literature regarding well-established indications, such as infarction and traumatic brain injury, as well as lesser known indications, including intracerebral hemorrhage, ruptured cerebrovascular malformations, sinus thrombosis, and infection. Complications unique to DC, specifically syndrome of the trephined, hygroma, and hydrocephalus, also are reviewed with a discussion of their management, both in the immediate and the postoperative period.