Decompressive Craniectomy In Massive Cerebral Infarction.

Twenty one patients were submitted to decompressive craniectomy for massive cerebral infarct. Ten patients (47.6%) presented a good outcome at the 6 months evaluation, eight had a poor outcome (38%) and three died (14.2%). There was no outcome statistical difference between surgery before and after 24 hours of ictus, dominant and non-dominant stroke groups. Patients older than 60 years and those who had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)8 at pre-surgical exam and decompressive craniectomy before signs of brain herniation represent the main factors related to a better outcome. Dominant hemispheric infarction does not represent exclusion criteria.68339-4