La craniectomía descompresiva como tratamiento del traumatismo encéfalo-craneano: Una visión actualizada

Abstract

Intracranial hypertension is an important indicator of poor outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Although decompressive craniectomy has proven to be a highly effective therapy to decrease intracraneal pressure, its role in TBI management is controversial. The expected benefits of decompressive craniectomy on the patients neurological outcome have not been supported by the evidence; its impact on the pathophysiological cascade unleashed by the trauma are not well understood and the associated complications are hard to treat. Establishing a recognizable terminology, improving the comprehension of the basic principles, the surgical variations, the known effects and the complications, are essential for a better understanding of its reach and limitations, which may lead to a better use of its therapeutic potential.