Abstract
Objective: To address the performance of decompressive craniectomy as a treatment in the occurrence of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident (ICA) of the posterior fossa. Bibliographic review: Posterior fossa ischemic stroke occurs when there is arterial obstruction in one or more arteries that make up the posterior cerebral circulation, preventing the flow of adequate blood and oxygen to the region, causing tissue death. It is a condition that presents a high degree of complications and high morbidity and mortality rates if early interventions are not performed. Among the most common complications are those that occur as a result of the inflammatory process triggered by the infarcted area, especially the formation of edema. Obstructive hydrocephalus, followed by brainstem compression with ensuing brain death, is the most feared outcome of this medical condition. Final considerations: Decompressive craniectomy is a surgical technique capable of effectively reducing intracranial hypertensive effects, freeing space for the cerebral edema formed after ischemia, being able to improve functional survival in patients who are victims of this rare subtype of stroke.