Current Perspectives in the Surgical Treatment of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND: The available surgical options to control increased intracranial pressure and to limit secondary brain damage in the setting of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) include decompressive craniectomy, cisternostomy, and other methods to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) such as placement of an external ventricular drain. METHODS: We discuss the rationale and the limitations of these surgical techniques based on preclinical and clinical evidence. A detailed description of the differences between ventricular CSF drainage and cisternal drainage is added based on recent hypotheses on TBI physiopathology and CSF circulation. RESULTS: Cisternostomy seems a more physiological approach to the treatment of brain swelling, with the potential of effectively controlling intracranial pressure and reducing the effects of secondary brain damage. CONCLUSIONS: Further clinical studies need to be performed to validate the efficacy of this emerging surgical procedure for severe TBI.