Basal Cisternostomy - A Microsurgical Cerebro Spinal Fluid Let Out Procedure and Treatment Option in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Analysis of 40 Consecutive Head Injury Patients Operated with and without Bone Flap Replacement Following Cisternostomy in a Tertiary Care Centre in India.

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered the gold standard blanket surgical procedure for all medically intractable cerebral oedema in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It's only proven fact is that it reduces Intra Cerebral Pressure (ICP) by providing space for the oedematous brain. Attempts are being made to find additional or alternative procedures to improve outcomes in TBI. Basal Cisternostomy is one such technique proposed to bring such a change in world literature.

AIM

To analyse the validity of Basal Cisternostomy in TBI patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients who underwent Basal Cisternostomy (BC) in TBI admitted in the senior author's unit between January 2016 and April 2019 were analysed retrospectively. All surgeries were performed by single surgeon with microsurgical expertise. Outcome was assessed according to Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Results were analysed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

In severe TBI, Basal Cisternostomy group showed 77.8% favourable outcome while Decompressive Craniectomy in addition to Basal Cisternostomy group showed 72.7% only. While favourable GOS was seen in 82% (33/40), the unfavourable outcome was noticed in 12.5% (5/40) and death in 5% (2/40) in this series. Hydrocephalus was seen in 12.5% (5/40). Patients operated earlier from the time of injury showed better results than those who got operated later irrespective of severity of neurological status. ICU stay and hospital stay duration and its validity could not be assessed.

CONCLUSION

Basal Cisternostomy is an effective procedure in Traumatic Brain Injury patients that not only improves outcome but also reduces the need for Decompressive Craniectomy as a blanket procedure and thus avoiding its associated complications.