Clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after intracerebral hemorrhage: A propensity score-matched analysis

Purpose A consensus on decompressive craniectomy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not yet been established. We aimed to investigate the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus based on the method of ICH surgery, with a focus on craniectomy. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 458 patients with supratentorial ICH who underwent surgical hematoma evacuation between April 2005 and December 2021 at two independent stroke centers. Multivariate analyses were performed to characterize risk factors for postoperative shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching (1:2) was undertaken to compensate for group-wise imbalances based on probable factors that were suspected to affect the development of hydrocephalus, and the clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was evaluated by the matched analysis. Results Overall, 43 of the 458 participants (9.4%) underwent shunt procedures as part of the management of hydrocephalus after ICH. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and craniectomy were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after surgery for ICH. After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in participant age, sex, hypertension status, diabetes mellitus status, lesion location, ICH volume, IVH occurrence, or IVH severity. The craniectomy group had a significantly higher incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus than the non-craniectomy group (28.9% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001; OR 9.1, 95% CI 3.7–22.7), craniotomy group (23.2% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001; OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5–17.1), and catheterization group (20.0% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.012; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7–21.3). Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy seems to increase shunt-dependent hydrocephalus among patients undergoing surgical ICH evacuation. The decision to perform a craniectomy for patients with ICH should be carefully individualized while considering the risk of hydrocephalus.