Comparing Early and Standard Timing of Cranioplasty After Decompressive Hemicraniectomy to Improve Recovery and Reduce Complications

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how the timing of cranioplasty affects postoperative complications and long-term recovery in patients who have undergone decompressive hemicraniectomy DHC due to acute traumatic injury, stroke, or intracranial hemorrhage. The study compares early cranioplasty performed within 8 weeks after DHC with the standard of care cranioplasty done after 3 months. It focuses on rates of complications such as infection, seizures, need for additional surgeries, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either early cranioplasty or standard delayed cranioplasty following their initial DHC. Early cranioplasty is defined as the skull restoration surgery done within 8 weeks post-DHC, while the standard group undergoes the procedure after at least 3 months. Both procedures aim to restore the skull after DHC, which is a life-saving surgery to relieve brain pressure. During the study, researchers will assess functional outcomes at 6 and 12 months after DHC, examining neurological recovery, cognitive function, and quality of life. They will also monitor short-term complications such as seizures, hydrocephalus, infections, hospital length of stay, readmissions, and any returns to the operating room. Participants may be followed for up to a year to fully understand the effects of cranioplasty timing on recovery and complications.

Timing Impact of Early vs. Late Cranioplasty on Hemicraniectomy Outcomes