Issue release date: 12.11.2024
2University of Health Sciences, Bakırkoy Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
3Istanbul University, Istanbul School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
4University of Health Sciences, Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Research and Training Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
5Trakya University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Edirne, Turkey
6Istinye University School of Medicine, Liv Hospital-Bahcesehir, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
7Biruni University School of Medicine and Medicine Hospital, Departments of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Turkey DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.27576-19.3 AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of children who recently underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC) due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) correlated to head trauma or other causes, such as ischemic insult.
MATERIAL and METHODS: Twelve patients aged â¤17 years who underwent DC due to elevated ICP between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. The clinical status of the participants, radiological characteristics, type and timing of surgery, and outcomes were recorded.
RESULTS: Three female and nine male patients with a mean age of 10 years were included. The initial average Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6 (3â12). All patients presented with signs of diffuse cerebral edema and subdural hematoma of various sizes along with other intracranial pathologies. Only one patient required bilateral frontal craniectomy. In the postoperative period, three patients died, and three had severe disability.
CONCLUSION: With the increasing use and success of DC in adults, this procedure can also be effective in children. Considering brain differences in children, large and well-structured clinical trials must be conducted to prevent complications and to identify the best technique, timing, and benefits of DC for children.
Keywords : Decompressive craniectomy, Pediatric, Traumatic brain injury, Intracranial pressure, Glasgow coma scale