Retrospective analysis of decompressive craniectomy performed in pediatric patients with subdural hematoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The impact of decompressive craniectomy (DC) on the overall outcome of pediatric acute subdural hematoma patients has not been fully determined to date. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the role of decompressive craniectomy performed to treat traumatic subdural hematoma in patients from the pediatric age group.METHODS: We described our experience with DC in pediatric acute subdural hematoma patients and analyzed the outcomes.RESULTS: Eleven (7 unilateral and 4 bilateral) DCs were performed. The patients' ages ranged from 8 months to 15 years. The mean GCS score at admission was 7.8. All patients underwent DC with duraplasty within 2 hours of injury. All the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for 10 days postoperatively. The mean hospital stay was 22 days and the mean follow-up period was 3.7 years.CONCLUSION: Early DC for pediatric subdural hematoma patients, independent of their initial GCS, was recommended. Larger studies are needed to define the indications, surgical techniques, and timing of DC in the pediatric population.