Is informed consent required for cranioplasty?
¿Se requiere el consentimiento informado para la craneoplastia?
Carlos Umberto Pereira, Samuel Pedro Pereira Silveira
Abstract
Introduction: Cranioplasty (CP) is a standard surgical procedure in neurosurgery, and various cranial implants have been extensively employed for this purpose worldwide. Complication rates are notably high and considerably greater than those observed in other elective neurosurgical procedures. Method: A literature review was conducted using the following search terms: decompressive craniectomy, cranioplasty, and complications. The PubMed, Lilacs, and Scielo databases were consulted. Results: Articles pertinent to the subject were selected based on their citation records and respective academic impact. Conclusions: Complications arising from CP are numerous and varied. It is essential to be fully acquainted with the indications, contraindications, and potential complications of this procedure, and to routinely employ an informed consent form detailing all foreseeable risks. This practice aims to mitigate medical harm to patients and, consequently, reduce medicolegal exposure for the neurosurgeon.
Keywords
Resumen
Introducción: La craneoplastia (CP) es un procedimiento quirúrgico estándar en neurocirugía, y se han utilizado varios implantes craneales para este procedimiento en todo el mundo. Las tasas de complicaciones están aumentando en comparación con otros procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos electivos. Método: revisión de la literatura mediante los términos de búsqueda: craniectomía descompresiva, craneoplastia y complicaciones. Se utilizaron las plataformas de datos PubMed, Lilacs y Scielo. Resultados: Artículos seleccionados relevantes al tema abordado, considerando las citas y sus respectivos impactos. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones derivadas de la PC son diversas. Es necesario conocer las indicaciones, contraindicaciones y complicaciones, así como un factor de rutina o termo de consentimiento libre e informado sobre posibles complicaciones, con el objetivo de reducir los problemas médicos de los pacientes y, en consecuencia, los problemas legales para la neurocirugía.
Palabras clave
References
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Submitted date:
04/09/2026
Reviewed date:
04/27/2026
Accepted date:
05/18/2026
Publication date:
06/16/2026
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