Neurocritical care
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Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been shown to be an effective treatment for malignant cerebral infarction (MCI). There are limited nationwide studies evaluating outcome after craniectomy for MCI. ⋯ Over the past 10 years in France, DC has been increasingly performed for MCI regardless of age. However, in-hospital mortality remains considerable, as about one quarter of patients died within the first weeks. For those who survive beyond 6 months, the risk of death significantly decreases. Early mortality is especially high for comatose patients above 60 years operated in inexperienced centers. Most of those who remain in good functional status tend to undergo a cranioplasty within the year following DC.