Management of posttraumatic brain swelling based on clinical typing

Objective: To investigate the clinical typing and prophylactico-therapeutic measures for acute posttraumatic brain swelling (BS). Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 66 cases of acute posttraumatic BS. There were 3 groups based on computered tomography (CT) scanning: 23 cases of hemisphere brain swelling (HBS) with middle line shift for less than 5 mm within 24 hours (Group A), 20 with middle line shift for more than 5 mm (Group B), and 23 with bilateral diffuse brain swelling (Group C). Results: (1) The mortality rates of the operative and nonoperative management in Group A, Group B, and Group C were 20.0%, 31.6%, and 75.0% versus 44.4%, 0, and 85.7%, respectively (P> 0.05); while the rates in subgroups with different middle line shift (more than 5 mm and less or equal 5 mm) were 29.2% and 75.0% versus 75.0% and 44.4%, respectively ( 0.05>P> 0.01). (2) The good recovery rate and mortality in Group A were 47.8% and 39.1%, respectively and in Group C, 8.7% and 78.3%, respectively. There was a very significant difference between Group A and Group C (P< 0.01). (3) The total survival rate of the selective comprehensive therapy was 53.1%. Conclusions: (1) Acute posttraumatic BS needs to be diagnosed correctly and promptly with CT scanning within 4 hours. (2) For patients with midline shift for more than 5 mm, especially with thin-layered subdural hematoma, surgical intervention is essential to reduce the fatality of acute posttraumatic BS.

CT finding is an index in assessment of outcome in patients with diffuse traumatic brain swelling

To assess the relationship between the prognosis of the patients with diffuse traumatic brain swelling (DTBS) and the changes of the ventricles and the cisterns in CT scans. Methods: The outcome of the patients with DTBS and the changes of the ventricles and the cisterns in CT scans were studied and analyzed in a group of 268 cases. We focused on the changes of the third ventricle and the basal cistern, age and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Results: Of 268 cases, there were changes of the third ventricle and/or the basal cistern in 124, 65 died. In l8 cases, the third ventricle and the basal cistern were both absent and l6 died (88.9%). The third ventricle changed significantly in 59 cases, 33 died (55.9%), while the basal cistern changed in 47 cases and 16 died (34%). Of the 124 patients with changes of the third ventricle and/or the basal cistern, 26 were children, 8 died; 98 adults, 57 died.Conclusions: For patients with DTBS, the outcome was in direct correlation with the change of the third ventricle and/or the basal cistern, the change of the third ventricle was much more important in assessment of the outcome than that of basal cisterns. There is no significant difference in, the incidence of DTBS between children and adults while the outcome of children is much better than that of adults. The patients with the changes of the third ventricle and the basal cistern accompanied with lower GCS scores have poor outcome.

Which Type of Decompressive Craniectomy Is Better? Advantages and Challenges of Fresh Cadaver Practices Based on Experiences from the Last 20 Years. The Effect of Jesus Prayers in Science

Aim of Study: Reviewing the large number of publications about DC in the case of severe traumatic brain swelling, there is no clear position on which one is preferable for the patient. Bifrontal or bilateral fronto-parieto-temporo-partial occipital craniectomy. One of the most critical points, the behaviour of brainstem and its vascular structures during the protrusion of the traumatized swelling brain, which can expand in different directions, depending on where the skull has been opened. Method: After the high ICP created on a simple fresh cadaver model, we examined the brainstem displacements and compressions with the help of an endoscope-guided transnasal transsphenoidal transclival and analyzed their possible harmful effects on brainstem structures and blood vessels. Results: In bilateral bifronto-parieto-temporo-partial occipital craniotomy, no significant bulging or forward movement of the brainstem was detected. In the course of bifrontal craniectomy, significant forward movement and thus compression of vascular structures and pons were detected. Conclusion: Our assumption has been confirmed. In bifrontal craniectomy, the expansion is not parallel to the course of the brainstem, but perpendicular so that the pons and the blood vessels running along its anterior surface are compressed by moving forward against the clivus, which leads to circulatory compression and damage to the brainstem. In bilateral DC, the expansion is axially parallel to the course of the brainstem. Based on the fresh cadaver model, the use of the latter method is preferable for the traumatized swelling brain. In both cases, bridging veins of the protruding brain at the bone edge must be protected by the vascular tunnel method against compression. We examined this scientific question not only from a neurosurgical perspective but also in terms of the general ethical possibilities and psychological difficulties of conducting fresh cadaver practices. Additionally, we provided an answer on how we can ease the work of research doctors practicing on the deceased through the power of spiritual exercises and prayer. The dissection room offers fantastic opportunities for surgeons to discover new paths.