Early management of hydrocephalus secondary to large decompressive craniectomy by modified cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a report of 45 cases / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the role of improved cranioplasty plus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in early treatment of hydrocephalus secondary to decompressive craniectomy for patients with severe craniocerebral injury. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 45 patients complicated by hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for severe craniocerebral injury treated with early stage improved cranioplasty plus ventriculoperitoneal shunt from January 2006 to December 2010.Then,the clinical data,complications and outcomes were summarized. Results All operations were carried out 38-80 days after injury.The postoperative complications were distal obstruction of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in two patients and intracranial infection in one.The clinical symptoms were obviously improved in 36 patients (80％) and the cerebral ventricle was diminished in 34 (76％) one month postoperatively.The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge was good in eight patients,moderate disability in 19,severe disability in 13 and prolonged coma in five,where better recovery (good recovery and moderate disability) in 27 patients (60％) showed significant improvement compared with preoperation ( x2 =23.47,P ＜0.01 ). Conclusion Early cranioplasty plus ventriculoperitoneal shunt is an effective and safe method for treatment of the complicated hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for severe craniocerebral injury.