EFFECT OF CRANIECTOMY DUROTOMY ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH HYPERVENTILATION, DIURETICS, AND CORTICOSTEROIDS ON INTRACRANIAL-PRESSURE IN CLINICALLY NORMAL DOGS/

Objective-To determine the effect of craniectomy and durotomy on intra cranial pressure (ICP) in clinically normal dogs. Design-Two-part stud y (experiments A and B) involving craniectomy and durotomy, with and w ithout treatments to lower ICP. Animals-Six (experiment A) and 7 (expe riment B) healthy dogs. Procedure-In experiment A, craniectomy was per formed in combination with durotomy, diuretic administration, methylpr ednisolone sodium succinate administration, and hyperventilation, and effect of these manipulations on ICP was determined. In experiment B, dogs had only craniectomy and durotomy without associated ICP-lowering treatments. During both experiments, ICP was monitored throughout the surgical procedure with a fiber optic ICP monitoring device. Results- Intracranial pressure decreased after the combination of craniectomy, durotomy, and other ICP-lowering treatments in dogs of experiment A. S imilar magnitude of decrease in ICP was observed in dogs of experiment B after craniectomy and durotomy. Conclusions-Comparison of these exp eriments indicate that surgical removal of overlying skull and incisio n of the dura mater can significantly decrease ICP in clinically norma l dogs. Clinical Relevance-Craniectomy and durotomy may be useful as a n adjunct treatment for increased ICP.