Analysis of clinical treatment of posttraumatic hydrocephalus with encephalocele after decompressive craniectomy

Objective To investigate the clinical treatment of posttraumatic hydrocephalus with encephalocele after decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods The clinical and imaging data of posttraumatic hydrocephalus with encephalocele after decompressive craniectomy in 49 patients with severe traumatic brain injury in Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University from Jan. 2012 to Jan. 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were performed ventriculoperitoneal shunt and (or) cranioplasty, and using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) method to evaluate the prognosis. Results After ventriculoperitoneal shunting, the consciousness and neurological function impairment were improved in 39 cases (79.6%), no improvement or death in 10 cases (20.4%). The well recovered in 10 cases (20.4%), moderate disability occurred in 8 cases (16.3%), severe disability occurred in 5 cases (10.2%), survived in vegetative state in 23 cases (47.0%) and death occurred in 3 cases (6.1%). Conclusion The delayed diagnosis or improper treatment of Post-traumatic hydrocephalus could easily lead to encephalocele and encephalodialysis and brain atrophy, Which will affects the prognosis of the patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is an effective method for treatment of post-traumatic hydrocephalus combined with encephalocele, and the result will help to improve patients consciousness and neurological function. Key words: Traumatic brain injury; Post-traumatic hydrocephalus; Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt; Treatment