Decompressive Craniectomy in Minnesota

During the surgery, the person will be asleep, won’t feel the procedure, and won’t remember anything about it.

The procedure begins with a cut in the scalp. The surgeon exposes the skull by peeling back the skin and tissue. Then the doctor will cut into the skull using a medical bone drill and bone saw.

They will stop any bleeding after removing the bone, and then close the wound with stitches. The skull bone removed during surgery will be stored for later use. The bone may be replaced when the individual recovers.

Most patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy are already in critical condition following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. In other words, recovery is largely determined by the injuries that led to the need for surgery.

Following surgery, most people will spend a few days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and stay in the hospital for several weeks. In some cases, people will remain unconscious for days or even weeks following surgery. There may even be cases where they are in a coma or vegetative state.

Recovery from brain injury and surgery can take months, and even years.

A surgeon can replace the missing part of the skull after a patient has sufficiently recovered from the surgery and original injury.