Background: Although associated with controversy, decompressive craniotomy (DC) for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) is an unequivocally lifesaving intervention. DC for MMCAI is rarely performed in lower- to middle-income countries.
Methods: A systemic review was performed in attempt to determine the rates of utilization and outcomes of DC on the African continent.
Results: Only two African studies describing DC for MMCAI were found.
Conclusion: DC for MMCAI is rarely performed and/or reported on the African continent. The African perspective for this needs to be urgently broadened.
Keywords: African perspective; Decompressive craniotomy; Functional outcome; Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction; Resource poo.
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