Introduction: To investigate the alteration of intracranial pressure and imaging features after decompressive craniectomy with lattice duraplasty in patients with severe head injury.

Methods: Fifty patients suffered from severe head injury with brain swelling were operated using Amercian standard large trauma craniotomy, the lattice duraplasty technique was applied intraoperatively. The pre- and post-operative ICP and imaging features were observed and recorded, followed by a statistical comparative study.

Results: The preoperative ICP was 37.6±7.9mmHg, the midline shift was 11.7±3.8mm, the patients with open ambient cistern were 3 cases. The postoperative ICP reduced to 14.1±6.3mmHg,the midline shift decreased to 4.6±2.7mm, and the patients with open ambient cistern were 31cases. Compared with preoperative data all postoperative data were improved significantly (P<0.01).

Conclusions: The technique of lattice duraplasty used in decompressive craniectomy could reduce ICP and midline shift meanwhile alleviate the ambient cistern compression.

Patient Care: This research has confirmed the clinical efficacy of decompressive craniectomy with lattice duraplasty for severe head injury.

Learning Objectives: To understand the technique and clinical value of decompressive craniectomy with lattice duraplasty for severe head injury.

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