{"id":"a4909d98-1bb9-4350-9bc9-13cc76f65b01","slug":"cranioplasty-with-subcutaneously-preserved-autologous-bone-grafts-in-abdominal-wall-experience-with-75-cases-in-a-post-war-country-kosova","title":"Cranioplasty with subcutaneously preserved autologous bone grafts in abdominal wall—Experience with 75 cases in a post-war country Kosova","authors":["Arsim Morina","Fatos Kelmendi","Qamile Morina","Shefki Dragusha","Feti Ahmeti","Dukagjin Morina","Kushtrim Gashi"],"abstract":"Background: Decompressive craniectomy is performed to alleviate high intracranial pressure by removing a portion of the skull. The preservation of the bone graft in a subcutaneous location is theorized to reduce graft devitalization and improve outcomes. Autologous calvarial bone grafts are considered the safest and most effective method for cranial reconstruction, offering superior cosmetic results compared to other techniques. Methods: This study prospectively analyzed 82 cases of decompressive craniectomy performed at the University Neurosurgical Clinic in Prishtina, Kosovo, over eight years. Of the 75 patients who had their grafts replaced, various surgical techniques were employed to create an abdominal pocket for graft storage. The postoperative evaluation focused on the adequacy of the craniotomy graft for satisfactory reconstruction. Results: Satisfactory cosmetic reconstruction was achieved in 66 out of 75 patients, with 9 requiring augmentation with methyl methacrylate. The average duration of graft storage in the abdominal pouch before reimplantation was 14 to 232 days, with no instances of microscopic resorption observed. Complications included infections in two patients, necessitating later cranioplasty with methyl methacrylate. Conclusion: The study supports the use of autologous bone grafts stored in an abdominal pouch as a safe and effective reconstructive option following decompressive craniectomy. This method minimizes complications associated with synthetic materials and offers favorable cosmetic outcomes. Early intervention with decompressive craniectomy is critical in managing high intracranial pressure. Keywords: decompressive craniectomy, autologous bone graft, cranioplasty, intracranial pressure, surgical outcomes, abdominal pouch, postoperative complications","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/a4909d98-1bb9-4350-9bc9-13cc76f65b01/featured/hero-1782420888941.png","publishDate":"2011-05-28T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.81735","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/a4909d98-1bb9-4350-9bc9-13cc76f65b01/pdf"}