Used to treat the head injuries of victims who may not have otherwise survived, the controversy over decompressive craniectomy, or skull surgery, is a hot topic in the medical world right now. While lives can be saved, there is concern over the quality of life for the survivors of such undertakings. Some recover perfectly whereas others either die or remain disabled. Although surgeons refined the technique so that about half the cases do not result in death, doctors want to be able to predict the patients who will benefit from the surgery and those who will be harmed. Neurologists and surgeons speak out in this article about the pros and cons of skull surgery as well as their personal beliefs as doctors. Check out the full article HERE to read more about decompressive craniectomy, similar surgeries, and how doctors feel about the ethics of each.
