Investigation of Mortality and Additional Morbidity Factors in Stroke Patients Who Have Undergone Decompressive Surgery

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the factors that may determine the effects of decompressive craniectomy by analyzing the data of patients who experienced ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke following the decompressive surgical procedure performed at our stroke center. Thus, we sought to establish a consensus on decompressive surgery practices. Within the scope of this research, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the files of all stroke patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and were followed between 2015 and 2020. The contributing factors influencing prognosis were examined. A total of 27 patients were included in the study. We recorded and statistically compared the sociodemographic characteristics of these patients, along with their NIH score at admission, GCS, an d mRS after 3-6 months. Out of the 27 patients, 16 (59.3%) had ischemic stroke and 11 (40.7%) had hemorrhagic stroke. The average age of the patients was 56±13.2 years. The mean NIHSS score was 16±7.2. After decompressive surgery, 70% of patients were deceased prior to discharge. The average craniectomy dimensions for all patients were calculated as 9.4±1.5 cm x 7.7±1.5 cm. We observed that factors such as the timing of decompressive surgery, Glasgow coma score, length of hospital stay, stroke hemisphere, glucose, and hemoglobin values did not affect prognosis post-surgery. Patients who underwent decompressive surgery due to hemorrhagic stroke demonstrated better outcomes after the procedure. The selection of patients for surgery and the timing of the procedure should be guided by each clinic's own experience. © 2025, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.