Long-term management
After cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and infection have resolved, cranioplasty can be considered to replace the patient’s bone flap or reconstruct the area with mesh or plastic. Cranioplasty usually isn’t considered until 2 to 6 months after the initial injury. One study found that patients who underwent early cranioplasty (less than 2 months after initial injury) had more postoperative complications than those patients who waited to have surgery until more than 2 months after the initial injury. The study also showed also showed that patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts had a higher rate of device-related complications.