Decompressive craniotomy and craniectomy for brain trauma

Purpose of Review There is still substantial controversy surrounding the utility of decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some surgeons readily perform these operations, while others are more hesitant due to concerns about patient outcomes in severe TBI. Recent Findings In this paper, the authors outline recent literature regarding the use of DC in TBI patients, starting with a brief background on surgical methods then exam-ining the results of recent retrospective studies, case series, and randomized trials. Summary Despite the controversy, and while a new randomized control trial is pending publication, DC remains an important tool in managing patients with TBI. © Springer Science + Business Media New York 2016.