Okie 352 (20): 2043, Figure 2 May 19, 2005

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Craniectomy Performed to Permit Brain Swelling after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Some surgeons leave the dura mater intact, as it appears here; others open the dura to give the brain more room to swell. The excised piece of skull is implanted under the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, outside the muscle wall, so that it can be replaced after the brain has recovered.