A comprehensive study of risk factors predicting hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injuries

Abstract Introduction Decompressive craniectomy [DC] is one of the leading armaments to lower refractory intracranial pressure. Post-DC hydrocephalus [PDCH] occurs in 11.9–36% of patients undergoing DCs for TBIs. Various theories have been given regarding pathophysiological mechanism of PDCH but remain dubious. Risk factors predicting PDCH still under research. Exact timeline regarding developmental process of PDCH remains undefined. Method This retrospective study was conducted on 422 patients who underwent DCs in our tertiary care trauma center over the period of one year. 60 patients out of 422 who developed PDCH were analyzed with respect to demographic variables and preoperative and postoperative risk factors. A total of 20 randomly selected patients, who underwent DCs but did not develop hydrocephalus, were selected and compared with patients who developed PDCH. Outcome analysis was done by dichotomizing the groups into independent and dependent groups. Results Among 422 patients undergoing DC, 14.21%[ n = 60] developed PDCH. Younger [34.2 y vs 43.3 y, p = 0.0004] male age group was predominant in our study. Age [ p = 0.021, multivariate analysis] and midline shift [ p = 0.008, multivariate analysis] were significant preoperative predicting risk factors for PDCH. Interhemispheric hygroma [ p = 0.031], brain bulge [ p = 0.008], and blood in postoperative scan [ p = 0.029] were significant postoperative risk factors. Lower GCS score at admission [ p = 0.0003], postoperative day 10 and at the time of establishment of PDCH were significantly predicted surgery to hydrocephalus time. Midline shift [ p = 0.007] and thickness of interhemispheric hygroma [ p = 0.021] were associated with poor outcome in patients with PDCH. Conclusion Younger age group and presence of midline shift are significant preoperative predictors of PDCH. Blood in postoperative scan, interhemispheric hygroma and brain bulge in postoperative period are significant predictors for PDCH. Deterioration in GCS score in postoperative period following DC should be taken as high index of suspicion for developing PDCH.