What is a decompressive craniectomy?

What is a decompressive craniectomy?

• A. Surgical procedure removing a large portion of the skull to allow swelling
• B. A non-surgical method to reduce brain swelling
• C. A procedure to drain CSF
• D. Repair of skull fracture with plates

Answer: (A)

Decompressive craniectomy is a surgical approach to relieve dangerous brain swelling by removing a large portion of the skull, giving the swollen brain space to expand outward and thereby lowering intracranial pressure. This helps prevent brain herniation and further injury after severe TBI or other conditions. The removed bone can be stored and later replaced in a cranioplasty once swelling subsides. It is not a non-surgical method, not a procedure to drain CSF, and not a repair of a skull fracture with plates.

Decompressive craniectomy is a surgical approach to relieve dangerous brain swelling by removing a large portion of the skull, giving the swollen brain space to expand outward and thereby lowering intracranial pressure. This helps prevent brain herniation and further injury after severe TBI or other conditions. The removed bone can be stored and later replaced in a cranioplasty once swelling subsides. It is not a non-surgical method, not a procedure to drain CSF, and not a repair of a skull fracture with plates.