Decompressive Craniectomy in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Case-Control Study

Background Decompressive craniectomy is performed to relieve intracranial pressure as an emergency procedure. There is no large study to systematically evaluate the benefit of decompressive craniectomy versus best medical therapy. This study evaluates the survival and long-term functional outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. Methods A total of 54 eligible patients with spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage (median age, 55 years; interquartile range, 47–64 years) who underwent decompressive craniectomy were retrospectively matched to 72 patients managed with best medical treatment (median age, 58 years; interquartile range, 32–74 years). Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable outcomes. Survival and functional outcomes were analyzed at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results Survival in the craniectomy group was significantly higher compared with the medical treatment group at 30 days, 6, and 12 months (76%, 70%, and 70% vs. 60%, 57%, and 52% respectively; all P ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in functional outcomes at discharge, 3, 6, or 12 months after hemorrhage (all P > 0.05). Decompressive craniectomy was associated with longer hospital stay (median of 30 days vs. 7 days in the control group; P P Conclusions We showed that decompressive craniectomy significantly improved survival compared with medical treatment with lasting benefits. This improvement came at a cost of increased length of hospital stay and related adverse events. There was no improvement in functional outcome.