Decompressive craniectomy with duraplasty is surgery to make more room for a swollen brain. The surgeon removes a large piece of the skull. Then the surgeon opens the tough covering around the brain called the dura. Opening both the skull and the dura gives the swollen brain more room to expand and helps lower pressure inside the skull.
During duraplasty, the surgeon may use a patch of tissue to make the dura larger, so it can cover the brain without closing it tightly. This patch of tissue separates the brain from the soft tissue beneath the skin. There are different ways to open or expand the dura.
This surgery may be used when pressure inside the skull becomes very high. It may be done right away in some emergencies. Or it may be done after other treatments haven't lowered the pressure enough. A serious brain injury, stroke or another condition can cause this type of brain swelling.
FAQ-80011952
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