Öz
Aim: Decompressive craniectomy is one of the treatment methods that reduces mortality, when used in eligible patients for the treatment of malignant ischemic stroke (MIS). In this study, we
aimed to assess the effect of age and the timing of surgery on the quality of life and on the prognosis of patients that underwent decompressive craniectomy.
Material and Method: The files of 45 patients between the ages of 24-98, who were recommended decompressive craniectomy in connection with malignant ischemic stroke, were reviewed within the scope of the study. Result: 27 (60%) patients, who agreed to undergoing surgery, and 18 (40%) patients, who did not agree to undergoing surgery, were taken under review. A significant improvement (between 0 and 3) was observed in the modified Rankin Scale Scores of the two patients that underwent surgery. All the patients (n = 4) from within the group of patients that did not agree to a surgery, who lived for more than 6 months, were found to have a modified Rankin Scale Score of 5 and needed support to fulfill their daily life activities. Conclusion: It has been observed that performing a decompressive craniectomy after 72 hours following clinical deterioration and radiological shift did not have a significant effect on mortality and morbidity. Studies with larger patient groups are needed to be carried out in order to determine the applicability criteria of surgical treatment.