New stroke surgery could spare patients a second operation

This study tests a new surgical technique called Expansion-floating Craniotomy (EC) for people with life-threatening brain swelling after a massive stroke. The standard surgery removes a piece of skull to relieve pressure, but requires a second surgery months later to replace the bone. EC aims to keep the bone attached using temporary metal plates, potentially avoiding the second surgery. The study will compare outcomes in 356 adults to see if EC is as safe and effective as the standard approach.