How I do it: supra-tentorial unilateral decompressive craniectomy

摘要

BackgroundDecompressive craniectomy is a surgical way to treat intracranial hypertension, by removing a large flap of skull bone.MethodWe report the case of a 48years old right-handed man presenting an acute ischaemic stroke of all the right sylvian artery area, with rapid clinic deterioration then coma. Severe intracranial hypertension was confirmed by transcranial Doppler. In emergency, we decided to perform a right-side decompressive craniectomy.ConclusionSix months later, he is in rehabilitation with only a left hemiplegia and a very good relational life. His modified Rankin score is 3. Decompressive craniectomy saved this patient's life, that is why we think this surgical technique must be explained and mastered.