Decompressive craniectomy at the treatment of cerebral infarct in rats

Abstract

Effects of decompressive craniectomy after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were investigated in rats. In control group (n:13) MCA was couterized via a 3mm subtemporal craniectomy. In decompression group (n:11) after MCAO through 3mm craniectomy additional bone (9x5 mm) was removed dawn to the floor of the middle and temporal fossa and dura left open. 24 h after occlusion the rats were neurologically examined. After decapitation brains were stained with TTC and infarct areas were evaluated with computerized analysing method. Although the mortality in the control group was %15.3 none of the rats in decompressive craniectomy group died. Neurological scoring and infarction size were significantly better in the latter group. The results suggest that decompressive craniectomy reduces mortality, significantly improves neurological outcome and reduces infarction size.