The paradox of relief: how decompression sets the stage for hydrocephalus-a retrospective inquiry into its clinical determinants
Daniyal, Muhammad Wasi, Muhammad Samir Irfan Davies, David Podlasek, Anna
Daniyal, Muhammad
Wasi, Muhammad Samir Irfan
Davies, David
Podlasek, Anna
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a common complication following decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurring in 7-36% of patients. Despite its significant impact on recovery and long-term outcomes, the relative contribution of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors to PTH development remains incompletely understood.
OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify independent risk factors for PTH following decompressive craniectomy and develop a clinically applicable risk stratification framework.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of 142 consecutive patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for TBI was conducted. The primary outcome was radiologically defined hydrocephalus. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative clinical and radiological variables were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit testing, and pseudo-R values.
RESULTS: Hydrocephalus developed in 43 patients (30.3%). Univariable analysis identified lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on arrival, post-operative interhemispheric hygroma, subdural hygroma, herniation, intraventricular haemorrhage, and pseudomeningocele as significant predictors (all P < 0.01). Intraoperative surgical parameters showed no association with PTH. The final multivariable model identified two independent predictors: lower GCS on arrival (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.99; P = 0.032) and post-operative interhemispheric hygroma (OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.95-12.28; P = 0.0007). The model demonstrated strong discrimination (AUC = 0.807) and excellent calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P = 0.69), with overall classification accuracy of 81.0%. GCS score of ≤ 8 on arrival was significantly associated with increased hydrocephalus risk in binary analysis (P = 0.007), whereas the same threshold at intubation was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative complications, particularly interhemispheric hygroma, are the strongest predictors of PTH following decompressive craniectomy, while surgical technique parameters show no significant association. These findings support the implementation of structured post-operative surveillance protocols to enable early detection and intervention in high-risk patients. A clinical risk assessment checklist incorporating these factors may improve prognostic accuracy and guide individualised management strategies.
MIDER Authors
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Date
2026-04-22
Type
Article
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Citation
Daniyal M, Wasi MSI, Davies D, Podlasek A. The paradox of relief: how decompression sets the stage for hydrocephalus-a retrospective inquiry into its clinical determinants. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2026 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s00701-026-06865-9. Epub ahead of print.