Controlled decompression improves long-term neurologic function by enhancing early postoperative cerebral microcirculation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Abstract

Severe traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death among young and middle-aged adults. Decompression is the primary surgical intervention but often is linked to poor outcomes. This study evaluates the effects of controlled decompression surgery on postoperative cerebral microcirculation and long-term neurologic outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury using a prospective, randomized controlled design. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (decompression) or the observation group (controlled decompression). Cerebral perfusion was assessed using computed tomography perfusion at various time points postsurgery. The mean blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery on the decompression side was monitored using transcranial Doppler. Follow-up was conducted at 6 and 12 months. A total of 245 patients were screened, with 148 ultimately included in the study: 71 in the control group and 77 in the observation group. Cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume increased significantly in the observation group at all time points, whereas mean transit time decreased over time with no significant difference between groups. The mean blood flow velocity was consistently lower in the observation group. On the basis of Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores, the observation group showed better neurologic function at both 6 and 12 months. Controlled decompression significantly improves early postoperative cerebral microcirculation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and leads to better long-term neurologic outcomes compared with standard decompression.