title: [Dural scoring: an assistance technique for primary dural closure at craniotomy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  At craniotomy the dura shrinks due to the drying effect of illumination and air exposure, rendering primary closure of this tissue difficult. We have developed a new technique, "dural scoring", that facilitates primary dural closure.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used this technique in adults who underwent craniotomy when we encountered difficulties with primary dural closure of openings less than 5 mm in width. We placed scores along the edge of the opening on the surface of the dura (periosteal dura), taking care not to perforate the deep layer (meningeal dura). The dura relieved of tension expanded enough to be closed with sutures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This technique was successful in achieving primary dural closure in 53 patients who primarily underwent small supratentorial craniotomies. There were no procedure-related complications, e. g. cerebrospinal fluid leakages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dural scoring is simple, requires no special instrumentation, and facilitates primary dural closure.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama Stroke and Brain Center, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors: Satoru
authors: S
authors: Shimizu
authors: Koji
authors: K
authors: Kondo
authors: Tomoya
authors: T
authors: Yamazaki
authors: Kenji
authors: K
authors: Nakayama
authors: Isao
authors: I
authors: Yamamoto
authors: Kiyotaka
authors: K
authors: Fujii
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013536:Suture Techniques