title: Decompressive craniectomy: an effective but underutilized option for intracranial pressure management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Decompressive Craniectomy is an effective option in the management of intractable intracranial hypertension.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Neuronal conservation can be achieved by aggressive decompression (hemicraniectomy).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this series 12 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or <8 with increased intracranial pressure underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The outcomes were prospectively evaluated. Eight patients were victims of traumatic brain injury. There were two patients who had suffered malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarctions, one patient had a cerebral venous thrombosis and one, an intracerebral hematoma. Four patients in this cohort died, while five had good outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rationale and role of this relatively easy but underutilised procedure are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India.
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Mathai
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Sahoo
keywords: Decompressive hemicraniectomy; Intracranial hypertension