Effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on intracranial pressure in postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether intermittent pneumatic compression therapy influences intracranial pressure in postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury.MethodsIn this prospective comparative study, a total of 120 postoperative severe traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the neurological intensive care unit between April 2023 and September 2024 were randomized into two groups (n = 60 each). During the 6-day observation period, group A was administered intermittent pneumatic compression therapy on postoperative days 1-3, whereas group B was administered intermittent pneumatic compression during postoperative days 4-6. Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring was performed.ResultsIn both groups, mean intracranial pressure, frequency of episodes with intracranial pressure ≥20 mmHg, and maximum daily intracranial pressure decreased progressively over time. Within-group comparisons showed significant differences between the first three and last three postoperative days. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups. Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy was not associated with intracranial pressure elevation. No cases of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis were detected.ConclusionPostoperative intermittent pneumatic compression application did not adversely affect intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, supporting its safety in neurocritical care settings.