Management of chronic subdural hematoma: a national survey and literature review

OBJECTIVE: To survey neurosurgical practices in the treatment of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma in the Canadian adult population. METHODS: We developed and administered a questionnaire to Canadian Neurosurgeons with questions relating to the management of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma. Our sampling frame included all neurosurgery members of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society. RESULTS: Of 158 questionnaires, 120 were returned (response rate = 76%). The respondents were neurosurgeons with primarily adult clinical practices (108/120). Surgeons preferred one and two burr-hole craniostomy to craniotomy or twist-drill craniostomy as the procedure of choice for initial treatment of subdural hematoma (35.5% vs 49.5% vs 4.7% vs 9.3%, respectively). Craniotomy and two burr-holes were preferred for recurrent subdural hematomas (43.3% and 35.1%, respectively). Surgeons preferred irrigation of the subdural cavity (79.6%), use of a subdural drain (80.6%), and no use of anti-convulsants or corticosteroids (82.1% and 86.6%, respectively). We identified a lack of consensus with keeping patients supine following surgery and post-operative antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Our survey has identified variations in practice patterns among Canadian Neurosurgeons with respect to treatment of subacute or chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Our findings support the need for further prospective studies and clinical trials to resolve areas of discrepancies in clinical management and hence, standardize treatment regimens.     

Twist drill craniostomy with closed drainage for chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly: an effective method

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural haematoma is a disease of the elderly and surgery in these patients carries a much higher risk. The common surgical procedures for chronic subdural haematoma include twist drill craniostomy, burr hole evacuation or craniotomy. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of twist drill craniostomy with drainage in elderly patients with chronic subdural haematoma. METHODS: Forty-two elderly patients (>65 years) with radiologically proven chronic subdural haematoma were analysed. All the patients underwent twist drill craniostomy and continuous drainage of the haematoma under local anaesthesia and total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). RESULTS: There were 24 males and 18 females. Headache and cognitive decline was seen in 50% and weakness of limbs in 60% of patients. CT scan was done in all cases. All patients underwent twist drill 2-3cm in front of the parietal eminence under local anaesthesia. The drain was left for 24-72h depending on the drainage. At 1 week, 88% of patients had a good outcome. CONCLUSION: Twist drill craniostomy with drainage under local anaesthesia is a safe and effective procedure for chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly and could be used as the first and only option in these people.     

Use of subdural drain for chronic subdural haematoma? A 4-year multi-centre observational study of 302 cases

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition and is more prevalent in the ageing population. Studies have suggested that placement of subdural drains after burr-hole drainage was associated with lower recurrence rates. However, a considerable proportion of surgeons remained unconvinced of the effectiveness of drain placement and concerns exist with the potential complications this additional manoeuvre entails such as infection or bleeding. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of subdural drain on CSDH recurrence and its safety. This is a multicentre observational study. Data of consecutive patients with burr-hole drainage performed for CSDH in three hospitals in Hong Kong during a four-year period from January 2008 to December 2011 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome was symptomatic recurrence requiring re-operation. Secondary outcomes included the modified Rankin scales (mRS), morbidity and mortality at six months. A total of 302 patients were identified. The recurrence rate was 8.72% (13/149) with drain placement versus 16.3% (25/153) with no drain (Odds Ratio = 0.489, 95%CI 0.240–0.998; p = 0.0463). Local wound infection, subdural empyema, acute subdural haematoma and other complications had no significant difference. Six-month mRS, 30-day mortality and six-month mortality were comparable in both groups. In conclusion, the use of subdural drain significantly reduced recurrence with no significant increase in complications.     

Successful treatment of acute subdural haematoma associated with severe bleeding disorder

Summary A 76-year-old man suffering from myelofibrosis with thrombocytopenia sustained an acute subdural haematoma with severe neurological deficit. He was treated initially by bedrest and dexamethasone. Craniotomy was contraindicated because his bleeding time exceeded 20 min in spite of multiple infusions of platelet concentrate. After 3 weeks his condition deteriorated with increase of the fluid collection shown by CT. Partial drainage of the haematoma by subdural puncture with a 22-gauge spinal needle resulted in complete recovery from the neurological deficit and complete resorption of the effusion. The case shows that it is possible to avoid craniotomy in the acute phase of a subdural haematoma in patients with bleeding disorders and that it may be advantageous to use needle evacuation instead of burr-hole drainage in the chronic phase.     

Infrequent Hemorrhagic Complications Following Surgical Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Chronic subdural hematomas mainly occur amongst elderly people and usually develop after minor head injuries. In younger patients, subdural collections may be related to hypertension, coagulopathies, vascular abnormalities, and substance abuse. Different techniques can be used for the surgical treatment of symptomatic chronic subdural hematomas : single or double burr-hole evacuation, with or without subdural drainage, twist-drill craniostomies and classical craniotomies. Failure of the brain to re-expand, pneumocephalus, incomplete evacuation, and recurrence of the fluid collection are common complications following these procedures. Acute subdural hematomas may also occur. Rarely reported hemorrhagic complications include subarachnoid, intracerebral, intraventricular, and remote cerebellar hemorrhages. The causes of such uncommon complications are difficult to explain and remain poorly understood. Overdrainage and intracranial hypotension, rapid brain decompression and shift of the intracranial contents, cerebrospinal fluid loss, vascular dysregulation and impairment of venous outflow are the main mechanisms discussed in the literature. In this article we report three cases of different post-operative intracranial bleeding and review the related literature.     

Contralateral acute epidural haematoma following evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma with burr-hole craniostomy and continuous closed system drainage: a rare complication

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most frequent causes for neurosurgical intervention. Although the prognosis is generally good and treatment modalities are well established, some devastating intracranial haematomas can complicate its evacuation. The authors report here a case of an acute epidural haematoma occurring after evacuation of a contralateral chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) with burr-hole craniostomy and continuous closed system drainage without irrigation. Since this is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, complication, clinicians should suspect its occurrence when an unexpected postoperative course is demonstrated.     

A safe and effective method for treatment of chronic subdural haematoma

OBJECTIVE: Burr-hole irrigation and burr-hole drainage without irrigation are the most popular methods for treatment of chronic subdural haematoma. It is not well known if irrigation is necessary or which method has a higher recurrence rate. We compared the recurrence rates of those two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients were treated by burr-hole irrigation (irrigation group), whereas 38 patients were treated by burr-hole drainage (drainage group). Recurrence rate and its relation with sex, age, haematoma localization and aetiology were investigated in both groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between recurrence rates of the two groups. There was also no correlation between recurrence rate and age, sex, haematoma localization, or aetiology. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between recurrence rates of the two groups. Since the burr-hole drainage method is simpler to carry out, its use may be preferable.     

Spectrum of intracranial subdural empyemas in a series of 45 patients: current surgical options and outcome

BACKGROUND: The subject of subdural empyema (SDE) is reviewed on the basis of experience with 45 cases. METHODS: Records of 45 patients with SDE were analyzed. There were 35 males and 10 females in the series. The majority of the patients were either infants (22.2%) or in their second and third decade of life (37.8%). For supratentorial SDE, craniotomy was done in 5 cases (11.1%). In six cases (13.3%) two burr-holes and in the rest of the cases multiple burrholes were done to evacuate the empyema. Craniectomy was done in three cases (6.7%), of which two had posterior fossa SDE. All patients received appropriate preoperative and postoperative broad-spectrum antibiotics. RESULTS: There was good recovery in 35 (77.8%) patients, six patients (13.3%) had moderate disability, two patients (4.4%) had severe disability, and two (4.4%) died. Three patients who developed recollection at operation site required evacuation of residual SDE. Median follow-up was 3(1/2) years (range 4 months to 3(1/2) years). CONCLUSION: Emergent evacuation of SDE using multiple burr-holes and irrigation of the subdural cavity with saline for 24 hours results in a satisfactory outcome in cases with SDE.     

Prospective analysis of bedside percutaneous subdural tapping for the treatment of chronic subdural haematoma in adults

OBJECTIVES: Although there is general agreement that surgery is the best treatment for chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH), the extent of the surgical intervention is not well defined. METHODS: The less invasive surgical technique of bedside percutaneous subdural tapping and spontaneous haematoma efflux after twist drill craniostomy under local anaesthesia was prospectively analysed in 118 adult patients, 99 with unilateral and 19 with bilateral CSDH. RESULTS: The mean number of subdural tappings was 3.2. Ninety two of the patients with unilateral CSDH were successfully treated by up to five subdural tappings, 95% of the patients with bilateral CSDH were successfully treated by up to 10 subdural tappings. The mean duration of inpatient treatment was 12 days. In 11 patients (9%) the treatment protocol had to be abandoned because of two acute subdural bleedings, two subdural empyemas, and seven cases of insufficient haematoma efflux and no neurological improvement. The only significant predictor for failure of the described treatment protocol was septation visible on preoperative CT. CONCLUSIONS: The described therapy protocol is-apart from a purely conservative treatment-the least invasive presently available surgical technique for treating chronic subdural haematoma. Its results are comparable with other modern treatment protocols. Thus, it can be recommended in all patients as a first and minimally invasive therapy, especially in patients in a poor general condition. Patients with septation visible on preoperative CT should be excluded from this form of treatment.     

Chronic subdural hematoma: results of a homogeneous series of 159 patients operated on by residents

AIMS: A series of cases with chronic subdural hematoma operated upon by residents in neurosurgery is analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 159 patients treated between 1998 and 2001 were included in the study. Mean age was 76.4 years and male/female ratio was 1.7/1. The patients were classified both on admission and at discharge according to the Markwalder scale. The standard operative procedure consisted of an enlarged single burr-hole, rinsing the subdural space with iso-osmotic saline solution and insertion of a subdural drain. CONCLUSION: In CSDH, operation by the residents is safe and the results are comparable to those of the major series of the literature as the surgical procedure is standardized.     

双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的微创治疗

目的 探讨双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的诊治方法及效果.方法 回顾性分析2001-04～2006-05收治的28例双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的临床资料,首诊即行颅脑CT检查22例（79%）,MRI检查16例（57%）.首诊误诊3例,漏诊1例.28例术前诊断均正确.治疗方法均采取局麻下行双侧钻单孔冲洗引流术.结果 27例术后均痊愈,1例出现硬膜下积液,全组无死亡病例.结论 双侧慢性硬膜下血肿确诊的首选方法是颅脑CT,必要时辅以MRI检查;双侧钻单孔微创术为首选治疗方法,效果良好.     

Facial nerve palsy—an unusual complication after evacuation of a subdural haematoma or hygroma in children

Objective This paper reports and discusses on the possible etiology of postoperative contralateral facial nerve palsy after uneventful evacuation of a subdural haematoma or hygroma after mild head trauma in two children with pre-existing middle cranial fossa subarachnoid cysts.Results Two 14- and 15-year-old boys had prolonged headaches after mild head injuries. CT showed a right-sided middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst in each patient. In one patient, an ipsilateral subdural haematoma was identified, and in the other, bilateral hygromas were identified. Exacerbation of symptoms required emergency evacuation of the subdural haematoma in the first child, and bilateral external drainage of the hygroma in the other child. In both children the late postoperative period was complicated by peripheral facial nerve palsies contralateral to the arachnoid cyst.Conclusion Facial nerve palsy may be a complication of hygroma or haematoma drainage. The etiology is not clear; traction of the facial nerve due to displacement of the brainstem may be the most likely explanation.     

The impact of computed tomography on the treatment of chronic subdural haematoma.

Twenty four consecutive patients with chronic subdural haematoma were treated by burr hole evacuation. Pre-operative and post-operative CT scans were performed and all patients developed a re-collection of fluid within the first week. This did not adversely influence clinical improvement and resolved spontaneously.     

神经内窥镜辅助治疗高血压脑出血的手术体会

目的 :探讨神经内窥镜在高血压脑出血手术中的应用。方法 :总结ZEPLIN神经内窥镜辅助治疗 2 0例高血压脑出血的临床资料。结果 :本组病例术后复查CT示血肿完全清除者 12例 ,清除 80 %以上者 8例。随访 6个月 ,GOS优 6例 ,良 11例 ,中、差、死亡各 1例。结论 :神经内窥镜辅助治疗高血压脑出血具有定位精确可靠 ,手术侵袭性小 ,手术并发症少 ,术后康复快等优点 ,为高血压脑出血的外科治疗提供了新的前景。     

蛛网膜囊肿合并慢性硬膜下血肿的治疗及临床分析

目的探讨蛛网膜囊肿合并慢性硬膜下血肿的临床特点及治疗方法。方法采用回顾性病例研究方法,对安徽省立医院神经外科2009年1月至2014年1月所收治的9例确诊为蛛网膜囊肿合并慢性硬膜下血肿患者进行分析,其中男6例,女3例,年龄1.5~60岁,平均23.9岁。临床表现为头痛患者8例;其中6例伴恶心、呕吐,1例伴有肢体无力,1例仅有肢体抽搐;有明确外伤史6例,无明确外伤史3例。结果9例患者中5例行颅骨钻孔硬膜下血肿引流术,5例患者术后均恢复良好,后出院;另2例行开颅硬膜下血肿清除并蛛网膜囊肿切除术,术后痊愈。2例患者行保守治疗,一月后复查头颅CT提示血肿较前缩小,患者无症状,未手术。9例患者分别随访10个月至4年,未再复发硬膜下血肿,生活质量可。结论蛛网膜囊肿合并慢性硬膜下血肿,常见于有头部外伤史的年轻患者。有明显临床症状者需手术治疗,并根据血肿量及是否合并囊内出血等,选择单纯做硬膜下血肿钻孔引流术还是同时开颅清除血肿并处理囊肿。     

Management of spontaneous extramedullary spinal haematomas: results in eight patients after MRI diagnosis and surgical decompression.

Spinal cord compression due to extradural and subdural haemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency. Differences in clinical presentation in relation to localisation of the haematoma, value of MRI as a diagnostic tool, surgical treatment, and prognosis were investigated in a retrospective case series of eight patients with extradural (n = four) and subdural (n = four) haematomas. Results of MRI were compared with operative findings and proved to be of high sensitivity in defining the type of bleeding and delineating craniocaudal extension and ventrodorsal location. Surgical treatment by decompressive laminectomy, haematoma evacuation, and postoperative high dose corticosteroids resulted in resolution of symptoms in five patients and improvement in the clinical situation in two patients. One patient with a chronic subdural haematoma had a second operation because of arachnoidal adhesions. One patient presented with a complete cord transection syndrome due to an acute subdural haematoma and remained paraplegic. It is concluded that prompt, reliable, and non-invasive diagnosis by MRI leads to efficient surgical treatment and a favourable outcome in this rare condition.     

Early and late results of the surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma

The authors compare the surgical results in 90 patients with chronic subdural haematomas. 61 of them were treated by burr-holes and 29 by craniotomy with capsulectomy. Postoperative mortality was much higher in the second group-20.5%, compared with the first group-1.6%. In follow-up the authors found a high number of epileptic fits in patients treated by burr-holes, while none of the patients treated by craniotomy with capsulectomy suffered from epilepsy.     

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges after evacuation of subdural hematomas.

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) have been recorded in some patients with subdural hematomas. In most of the patients, PLEDs occurred before the hematoma was evacuated. Five patients (three men and two women) who ranged in age from 57 to 88 years had PLEDs and seizures after evacuation of a subdural hematoma. The PLEDs occurred 1 to 9 days after evacuation and were associated with clinical seizures and altered consciousness. After treatment with anticonvulsant agents, the PLEDs and seizures resolved. The presence of PLEDs should be considered in patients who, after evacuation of a subdural hematoma, have altered consciousness, lateralized neurologic findings, or seizurelike activity (or a combination of these features).     

Comparison of craniotomy and craniectomy in patients with acute subdural haematoma.

Despite the increasing acceptance of craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury, the value of early decompressive craniectomy in patients with acute subdural haematoma is still under debate. In this retrospective study, we reviewed 180 patients with traumatic acute subdural haematoma, 111 of whom were treated with haematoma evacuation via craniotomy and 69 of whom were treated with early decompressive craniectomy. Due to the higher incidence of signs of herniation for patients in the craniectomy group, the mortality rate in this group was higher than that in the craniotomy group (53% vs. 32.3%). However, overall there was no significant difference in outcome between the two groups. Age and clinical signs of herniation were significantly associated with an unfavourable outcome, regardless of the type of surgery. Decompressive craniectomy did not seem to have a therapeutic advantage over craniotomy in traumatic acute subdural haematoma.     

迟发性颅内血肿的早期发现及治疗

目的：颅内损伤后，在治疗急性损伤的基础上，及时发现迟发性血肿，并采取正确的治疗措施，可以提高疗效。方法：在入院首次ＣＴ检查未见血肿，病情恶化时要复查ＣＴ；在术中发生急性脑膨出时，应在对侧钻颅探查或术后病人病情恶化时行ＣＴ检查；术后病人行持续颅内压（ＩＣＰ）监测。对短时间内颅内压急剧升高，应及时行ＣＴ检查，及早发现迟发性颅内血肿。结果：本组３３例迟发性颅内血肿患者，预后良好７例，中残５例，重残６例，植物存活０例，死亡１５例，死亡率４５． ５％。结论；在清除急性外伤性颅内血肿时发生急性脑膨出，或病人在病情稳定后出现病情恶化，或颅内压在原基础上突然短时间内急剧升高，应考虑迟发性血肿形成可能，宜尽早钻颅探查或复查ＣＴ，早期发现及时治疗可以改善预后。