Complications secondary to decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury: an analysis of risk factors

Objective: To discuss the incidence, influencing factors and management of various complications following cranioplasty. Methods: The clinical data of 298 traumatic brain injury patients, who received surgical decompression, were retrospectively analyzed, and the risk factors of surgical complications following surgical decompression were analyzed. Results: The patients included 193 males and 105 females, with a mean age of (38. 23 ± 10. 86) years. Traffic accident (162/298, 54. 36%) was the most common cause of the injuries, and surgical complications were found in 76 (25. 50%) cases. Single factor analysis showed that age, admission GCS score, timing of surgery, hematoma location and hematoma volume were significantly associated with surgical complications. Logistic regression indicated that admission GCS score and hematoma volume were independent factors of surgical complications. Conclusion: Complications are frequently seen in traumatic brain injury patients following decompressive craniectomy; patients with severe traumatic brain injury and great intracerebral hematoma are more likely to have complications. Early surgical intervention (<12 h) can help to reduce the complications.