Can the skull be reattached after a craniotomy?
Sep 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Introduction
If cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) are mild, the skull bone is typically reattached after surgery, and this usually does not result in abnormal sequelae. However, if cerebral edema is pronounced and ICP is significantly elevated, surgery is performed to reduce ICP and provide adequate space for brain expansion, thereby minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes later. In such cases, the skull bone is generally not reattached.
Whether the skull can be reattached after a craniotomy depends on the severity of the disease. If it does not negatively affect recovery, the skull is usually reattached.
1. Can be reattached
If the patient's brain swelling is not particularly obvious and intracranial pressure is not severely elevated, the skull can generally be reattached after surgery without adversely affecting subsequent recovery and healing.
2. Cannot be reattached
If significant brain swelling, markedly increased intracranial pressure, or extensive cerebral hemorrhage was present before surgery, the procedure may be performed to reduce intracranial pressure and allow space for brain expansion, thereby decreasing the risk of complications. In such cases, the skull is typically not reattached because there is a risk of rebleeding and subsequent increase in intracranial pressure, which could interfere with treatment.
After craniotomy, patients need regular follow-up head CT scans as directed by their physician to monitor recovery progress.
