Sudden death following cranioplasty: a complication of decompressive craniectomy for head injury

Abstract

This report details three cases of massive post-operative cerebral swelling following autologous cranioplasty. All three patients had a bifrontal decompressive craniectomy for intractably raised intracranial pressure following severe neurotrauma, developed hydrocephalus necessitating shunt insertion and were making a poor neurological recovery.

Key words:

• Decompressive craniectomy
• complications
• neurotrauma

Declaration of interest:

The author reports no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.