Data on Decompressive Craniotomy

The benefits of decompressive craniotomy (DC) in the treatment of traumatic brain injury patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is controversial. A recent study Williams R. F. et al. 2009, showed that DC resulted in good functional outcome in over 50% of patients with severe TBI. The maximum benefit was observed in younger patients. They had demonstrable reduction in ICP after decompression. These are factors to consider when the choice of DC arises after injury.