RESULTS OF EARLY DECOMPRESSIVE CRANIECTOMY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LARGE SUPRATENTORIAL HEMISPHERIC INFARCTION
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Abstract
Background: Large hemispheric infarction typically results from the occlusion of major arteries, such as the internal carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery. Early decompressive craniectomy is associated with a reduction in mortality and an increase in the rate of patients with satisfactory functional status. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of early decompressive craniectomy in the management of large supratentoral hemispheric infarction at Can Tho Central General Hospital and S.I.S Can Tho International General Hospital. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study involved 42 patients diagnosed with large supratentorial hemispheric infarction who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy within 48 hours of stroke onset. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) over a 3-month follow-up period. Results: Among the 42 patients studied, males constituted the majority (61.9%), and patients aged over 60 accounted for a higher proportion (52.4%). Left hemispheric infarction was more prevalent (54.8%). At discharge, the in-hospital mortality rate was 7.1%, and 11 patients (26.2%) achieved a favorable outcome (mRS 0-3). At the 3-month follow-up, the proportion of patients with favorable mRS scores increased to 47.6% (n=20). Conclusions: Early decompressive craniectomy for large supratentorial hemispheric infarction can reduce mortality rates and improve functional recovery outcomes.
Keywords
Decompressive craniectomy, large hemispheric infarction, modified Rankin Scale
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