Outcome of contemporary surgery for chronic subdural haematoma: evidence based review

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment options for chronic subdural haematoma in contemporary neurosurgery according to evidence based criteria. METHODS: A review based on a Medline search from 1981 to October 2001 using the phrases "subdural haematoma" and "subdural haematoma AND chronic". Articles selected for evaluation had at least 10 patients and less than 10% of patients were lost to follow up. The articles were classified by three classes of evidence according to criteria of the American Academy of Neurology. Strength of recommendation for different treatment options was derived from the resulting degrees of certainty. RESULTS: 48 publications were reviewed. There was no article that provided class I evidence. Six articles met criteria for class II evidence and the remainder provided class III evidence. Evaluation of the results showed that twist drill and burr hole craniostomy are safer than craniotomy; burr hole craniostomy and craniotomy are the most effective procedures; and burr hole craniostomy has the best cure to complication ratio (type C recommendation). Irrigation lowers the risk of recurrence in twist drill craniostomy and does not increase the risk of infection (type C recommendation). Drainage reduces the risk of recurrence in burr hole craniostomy, and a frontal position of the drain reduces the risk of recurrence (type B recommendation). Drainage reduces the risk of recurrence in twist drill craniostomy, and the use of a drain does not increase the risk of infection (type C recommendation). Burr hole craniostomy appears to be more effective in treating recurrent haematomas than twist drill craniostomy, and craniotomy should be considered the treatment of last choice for recurrences (type C recommendation). CONCLUSIONS: The three principal techniques-twist drill craniostomy, burr hole craniostomy, and craniotomy-used in contemporary neurosurgery for chronic subdural haematoma have different profiles for morbidity, mortality, recurrence rate, and cure rate. Twist drill and burr hole craniostomy can be considered first tier treatment, while craniotomy may be used as second tier treatment. A cumulative summary of data shows that, overall, the postoperative outcome of chronic subdural haematoma has not improved substantially over the past 20 years.     

Contralateral acute subdural hematoma occurring after evacuation of subdural hematoma with coexistent contralateral subdural hygroma

Burr-hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage is a safe and effective method for the management of chronic subdural hematoma. However, contralateral acute subdural hematoma has been reported to be a rare and devastating complication. Only 3 cases have been described in the literature. Herein, we reported an 80-year-old male with chronic subdural hematoma and contralateral subdural hygroma. The burr-hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage was initially performed to treat the chronic subdural hematoma. Three days after surgery, weakness of the extremities developed, and contralateral acute subdural bleeding within the previous subdural hygroma was diagnosed by CT scan of the brain. The pathophysiological mechanism of this rare complication was discussed, and the relevant literature was also reviewed.Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) is one of the most common entities managed in daily neurosurgical practice, and is known to have a good prognosis after minimal burr-hole craniostomy.1 Ipsilateral acute SDH or recurrence of hematoma is the most well-documented complication of this simple surgery.1-3 However, the development of a contralateral acute SDH following burr-hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage has been previously reported to be a rare but devastating postoperative complication.4,5 Herein, we report a case of contralateral acute SDH occurring after evacuation of chronic SDH with the coexistence of contralateral subdural hygroma. The relevant literature is also reviewed. Our objective in presenting this particular case is to highlight this rare but devastating complication in the management of this disease.     

YL-1型针穿刺治疗亚急性、慢性硬膜下血肿136例临床分析

目的 探讨YL-1型针穿刺治疗亚急性、慢性硬膜下血肿的治疗效果、并发症发生的原因及其防治措施.方法 回顾性分析136例经YL-1型针穿刺治疗的亚急性、慢性硬膜下血肿患者的临床资料.结果 术后血肿复发2例,余均一次治愈,2例血肿复发病例经再次穿刺治疗后治愈.并发不同程度气颅71例,穿刺点延迟愈合或感染2例,术中突发癫痫1例,经对症治疗后痊愈.结论 YL-1型针穿刺治疗亚急性、慢性硬膜下血肿疗效可靠,与传统全麻下钻孔冲洗引流术疗效相当,但操作简单,创伤小,费用低,术中采取有效措施可以明显减少或杜绝并发症发生.     

Controversies in cervical discectomy and fusion: practice patterns among Canadian surgeons

OBJECTIVE: Optimal fusion technique and peri-operative management of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) is unclear. We document current practice patterns among Canadian spinal surgeons regarding the surgical management of single level degenerative cervical spondylosis. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey of neurosurgeons and spinal orthopedic surgeons in Canada. We asked questions pertaining to the management of single level cervical degenerative disc disease causing radiculopathy and/or myelopathy, including frequency of fusion following single-level discectomy, preferred fusion technique, indications and frequency of use of anterior plating, and use of an external cervical orthosis following surgery. Demographic factors assessed included training background, type and length of practice. RESULTS: Sixty respondents indicated that their practice involved at least 5% spine surgery and were included in further analysis. Neurosurgeons comprised 59% of respondents, and orthopedic surgeons 41%. Fusion was employed 93% of the time following ACD; autologous bone was the preferred fusion material, used in 76% of cases. Neurosurgeons employed anterior cervical plates in 42% of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion cases, whereas orthopedic surgeons used them 70% of the time. External cervical orthoses were recommended for 92% of patients without plates and 61% of patients with plates. Surgeons who had been in practice for less than five years were most likely to be performing spinal surgery, using anterior cervical plates, and recommending the postoperative use of cervical orthoses. CONCLUSION: Practice patterns vary among Canadian surgeons, although nearly all employ fusion and many use instrumentation for single-level ACD. Training background, and type and length of practice influence practice habits.     

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.     

Efficacy of endoscopic treatment for chronic subdural hematoma surgery

Endoscopic treatment is a potential therapeutic addition to chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) surgery. However, the effect of endoscopic treatment remains controversial. Herein, we examined the optimal indication for endoscopic treatment in CSDH surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 380 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent single burr-hole craniostomy. We defined postoperative rebleeding as radiological re-accumulation or increased computed tomography value of the hematoma. Reoperation was performed following further hematoma accumulation and/or neurological deterioration. Complicated CSDH was radiologically defined as a hematoma with a clot and/or fibrous septum. There were no differences in baseline characteristics or postoperative mortality and morbidity between the endoscope (97 patients) and control (283 patients) groups. The incidence of postoperative rebleeding (9.3% vs 25.1%, respectively; P = 0.001) and reoperation (0% vs 9.2%, respectively; P = 0.004) were significantly lower in the endoscope group versus controls. Multivariate analysis showed that males (odds ratio 2.14, 95% confidence interval 1.19–3.81; P = 0.012) and endoscopy (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.59; P = 0.001) were independently associated with postoperative rebleeding. When CSDHs were divided into two types based on hematoma component, 175 patients exhibited complicated CSDH. There was a significant reduction in postoperative rebleeding (6.5% vs 23.0%, respectively; P = 0.010) and reoperation (0% vs 9.7%, respectively; P = 0.027) in complicated CSDH patients. Endoscopic treatment in CSDH surgery does not increase the risk of surgical complications. Complicated CSDH with a clot and/or septum may be an optimal indication for endoscopic treatment in CSDH surgery to reduce postoperative recurrence.     

Chronic Subdural Hematomas : A Comparative Study of Three Types of Operative Procedures

Objective

Several surgical procedures have been reported for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). We compared the results of treatments for CSDH obtained from one burr-hole craniostomy with closed system drainage with or without irrigation, two burr-hole craniostomy with closed system drainage with irrigation, and small craniotomy with irrigation and closed-system drainage.

Methods

Eighty-seven patients with CSDH underwent surgery at our institution from January 2004 to December 2008. Our patients were classified into three groups according to the operative procedure; group I, one burr-hole craniostomy with closed system drainage with or without irrigation (n = 25), group II, two burr-hole craniostomy with closed system drainage with irrigation (n = 32), and group III, small craniotomy with irrigation and closed-system drainage (n = 30).

Results

Age distribution, male and female ratio, Markwalder''s grade on admission and at the time of discharge, size of hematoma before and after surgery, duration of operation, Hounsfield unit of hematoma before and after surgery, duration of hospital treatment, complication rate, and revision rate were categories that we compared between groups. Duration of operation and hospitalization were only two categories which were different. But, when comparing burr hole craniostomy group (group I and group II) with small craniotomy group (group III), duration of post-operative hospital treatment, complication and recurrence rate were statistically lower in small craniotomy group, even though operation time was longer.

Conclusion

Such results indicate that small craniotomy with irrigation and closed-system drainage can be considered as one of the treatment options in patients with CSDH.     

Subacute subdural hematoma--report of 4 cases and a review of the literature

Subdural hematoma is divided roughly into two types acute and chronic. The two show an entirely different mode of illness. The authors have encountered 4 cases of subacute subdural hematoma in which characteristics of both types coexisted. These cases are characterized by the following. 1) The disease develops in the elderly persons with a history of trauma unknown or after minor head injury. 2) There is a relatively long period of clear consciousness and they visit a hospital when they are in the subacute stage, 3) They have a history of drinking alcohol heavily as a habit and there is a high risk of hypertension and diabetes. 4) Brain CT findings sometimes reveals mixed density hematoma. 5) Hemorrhage from the cortical artery is occasionally noted as the operative findings. Hematoma membrane is absent. 6) The outcome is generally poor because of systemic complications. As described above subacute subdural hematoma was similar to chronic subdural hematoma in the clinical course and CT findings. But operative findings of this disease indicated acute subdural hematoma. Repeated minor hemorrhage, related to coagulation disorder and brain atrophy would be important as the mechanism of subacute subdural hematoma. The effectiveness of perforation craniotomy as radical operation was low and removal of hematoma by major craniotomy was needed. The concept of subacute subdural hematoma is considered important in deciding on a therapeutic policy.     

Recurrence factors for chronic subdural hematomas after burr-hole craniostomy and closed system drainage.

Recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma after burr-hole craniostomy and closed system drainage is not uncommon. We sought to identify risk factors for recurrence. In 121 patients, various factors including age, initial neurologic status, hematoma thickness, computed tomographic density of the hematoma, midline shift, multiplicity, systemic disease, and drainage volume were compared retrospectively between nonrecurring cases and recurring cases. Recurrence was noted in 10 cases (8.3%). In recurring cases, the drainage volume was significantly larger than in nonrecurring cases, and the recurrence rate increased in proportion to drainage volume. Other factors significantly influencing recurrence were hematoma thickness and associated diabetes mellitus. Drainage contents mainly derived from either exudate within the subdural membrane or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Entry of cerebrospinal fluid into the hematoma cavity or continuing leakage of serum components through opened endothelial gap junctions are considered to be major causes of increased drainage volume, leading in turn to recurrence of the hematoma.     

双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的诊治体会

目的探讨双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的诊治特点。方法26例高龄双侧慢性硬膜下血肿,全部病例均行头颅CT检查。2例在全麻下,其它在局麻下采取双侧钻单孔引流术。选定血肿最厚层面前中1／2到1／3处为钻孔点。结果漏诊一侧1例,其余术前诊断正确。25例术后痊愈,1例原有神经功能恢复不明显。结论仔细观察CT和选定合适的钻孔点是诊治的关键。     

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.     

Irrigation vs. closed drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

A number of different techniques are used to treat chronic subdural hematomas surgically. In this study, 70 chronic subdural hematomas were surgically treated and analyzed prospectively. Patients were classified according to clinical features and computed tomography images. Results of the cases that underwent burr-hole craniostomy-irrigation (group A; n=35) were compared with those undergoing burr-hole craniostomy-closed system drainage (group B; n=35). The most common etiological factor was trauma in both groups. Complete resolution in the early period was higher in group B compared to group A (60% vs. 40%). However, no difference was noted at the first month-follow-up. Recurrence rates were 17% in group A and 14% in group B. No significant difference was noted in terms of hospitalization duration or postoperative complications. In conclusion, we believe that the burr-hole craniostomy-irrigation technique is a reliable and effective method compared to burr-hole craniostomy-closed system drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.     

应用Subdural专用引流管治疗慢性硬膜下血肿

目的比较钻孔闭式引流和Subdural专用引流管穿刺引流在慢性硬膜下血肿(CSDH)中的疗效。方法回顾分析我院收治的88例CSDH患者,46例行钻孔闭式引流(A组),42例行Subdural专用引流管穿刺引流术(B组),比较两组治疗效果。结果A组40例一次钻孔引流成功,6例因继发颅内血肿而改行开颅手术,再手术率13.04%,癫发作3例;B组41例一次性引流成功,1例因继发血肿再次手术,再手术率2.38%,无癫发作。结论Subdural引流术较钻孔冲洗闭式引流术更微创、更安全有效,并发症少,宜作为治疗CSDH的首选方法。     

双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的手术治疗体会

目的探讨微创穿刺外引流术治疗双侧慢性硬膜下血肿的疗效及手术技巧。方法回顾分析自2011年9月至2013年7月共采用微创穿刺外引流术治疗双侧慢性硬膜下血肿12例,并对出院患者进行随访,总结治疗效果。结果 12例患者出院前7例血肿腔消失,5例存在少量硬膜下积液。结论双侧同时微创穿刺交替冲洗外引流术治疗双侧慢性硬膜下血肿,可以有效减轻术中、术后并发症,安全有效,值得推广。     

Clinical Characteristics and Current Managements for Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma : A Retrospective Multicenter Pilot Study in the Republic of Korea

ObjectiveChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgical departments, but optimal perioperative management guidelines have not yet been established. We aimed to assess the current clinical management and outcomes for CSDH patients and identify prognostic factors for CSDH recurrence. MethodsWe enrolled a total of 293 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniostomy at seven institutions in 2018. Clinical and surgery-related characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The cohort included 208 men and 85 women. ResultsThe median patient age was 75 years. Antithrombotic agents were prescribed to 105 patients. History of head trauma was identified in 59% of patients. Two hundred twenty-seven of 293 patients (77.5%) had unilateral hematoma and 46.1% had a homogenous hematoma type. About 70% of patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia, and 74.7% underwent a single burr hole craniostomy surgery. Recurrence requiring surgery was observed in 17 of 293 patients (5.8%), with a median of 32 days to recurrence. The postoperative complication rate was 4.1%. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with CSDH recurrence were separated hematoma type (odds ratio, 3.906; p=0.017) and patient who underwent surgery under general anesthesia had less recurrence (odds ratio, 0.277; p=0.017). ConclusionThis is the first retrospective multicenter generalized cohort pilot study in the Republic of Korea as a first step towards the development of Korean clinical practice guidelines for CSDH. The type of hematoma and anesthesia was associated with CSDH recurrence. Although the detailed surgical method differs depending on the institution, the surgical treatment of CSDH was effective. Further studies may establish appropriate management guidelines to minimize CSDH recurrence.     

微创穿刺外引流术治疗慢性硬膜下血肿

目的 探讨微创穿刺外引流术治疗慢性硬膜下血肿的疗效及注意事项.方法 回顾分析自2008,8～2012,7共采用微创穿刺外引流术治疗慢性硬膜下血肿35例,并对出院患者进行随访,总结治疗效果.结果 35例患者均一次性穿刺成功,未出现严重并发症,所有患者症状均明显改善,出院前27例血肿腔消失,占77％,8例存在少量硬膜下积液,占23％.出院定期复查头颅CT,随访未见复发病例.结论 微创穿刺外引流术治疗慢性硬膜下血肿较单孔钻孔冲洗+闭式引流术操作简单,并发症少,患者恢复快,适用面广.     

第三脑室底造瘘术和脑室腹腔分流术治疗梗阻性脑积水疗效分析

目的探讨神经内镜下第三脑室底造瘘术和传统脑室腹腔分流术治疗梗阻性脑积水的疗效优劣。方法梗阻性脑积水患者60例,随机进行神经内镜下第三脑室底造瘘术或脑室腹腔分流术,对两组患者术后主要并发症、治疗有效率及术后复发率进行对比,并对结果进行统计学分析。结果两组患者术后颅内感染、脑室内出血、气颅、硬膜下积液、慢性硬膜下血肿的发生率分别为0.0%和3.1%、7.1%和3.1%、3.6%和3.1%、0.0%和6.2%、0.0%和6.2%,两者比较无统计学差异。两组患者术后治疗有效率分别为89.3%和84.4%,两者比较无统计学差异。造瘘组患者术后复发率为3.6%,低于分流组的28.1%,两者比较有统计学意义。结论神经内镜下第三脑室底造瘘术治疗梗阻性脑积水术后主要并发症及治疗有效率和传统脑室腹腔分流术无明显差异,但复发率比脑室腹腔分流术低,值得临床推广应用。     

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.     

高压氧联合阿托伐他汀治疗慢性硬脑膜下血肿116例疗效分析

目的 探讨高压氧联合阿托伐他汀在慢性硬脑膜下血肿保守治疗中的效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年3月—2018年3月解放军第九八七医院、宝鸡市高新人民医院及宝鸡市第三人民医院共收治的116例行系统高压氧联合阿托伐他汀治疗的慢性硬脑膜下血肿患者（A组）,并与2012年2月—2015年2月三所医院共收治的122例行常规保守治疗的慢性硬脑膜下血肿患者（B组）的治疗结果进行比较。结果 A组和B组患者经保守治疗成功、病情好转例数分别为104例（89.66%）、66例（54.10%）,平均治疗费用分别为（8523.65±717.85）及（9723.26±1534.85）元,治疗满意度分别为87.07%（101例）、70.49%（86例）。其中两组患者治疗好转率及治疗满意度比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 高压氧联合阿托伐他汀治疗,可提高慢性硬脑膜下血肿保守治疗的病情好转率,提高患者的治疗体验满意度,并可降低平均治疗费用。     

Treatment of chronic subdural hematoma by novel YL-1 hollow needle aspiration drainage system (697 cases report)

It is written to discuss the effect and syndromes of novel YL-1 hollow needle aspiration drainage system to treat chronic subdural hematoma. Collecting clinical data about 697 patients with chronic subdural hematoma in neurosurgery of People’ Hospital in North Jiangsu from January 2004 to December 2014, including clinical manifestation, imaging data, operation time, postoperative complications and prognostic factors and so on. 593 patients got cured, 53 patients with recurrence, 19 patients with acute subdural hematoma, 13 patients with poor drainage, 9 case of patients with acute epidural hematoma, puncture failure in 6 cases, 3 cases of pulmonary infection, one got intracranial hemorrhage (brain stem and basal ganglia hemorrhage). The total time of the operation is 15–28 min, the mean time is 18 ± 3.6 min, the average retention time of novel YL-1 hollow needle aspiration drainage system was 2.6 ± 1.3 days, the average use of urokinase was 30,000 ± 2.10,000 units. It takes a short time for novel YL-1 hollow needle aspiration drainage system to treat chronic subdural hematoma without any syndromes like brain tissue injury, tension pneumocrania, intracranial infection and so on. The clinical cure rate is 85.08 %, recurrence rate is 7.6 %. Using novel YL-1 hollow needle aspiration drainage system to treat chronic subdural hematoma is such a minimally invasive surgical technology which has a higher curative rate, small damage, is also easy to operate with security and less severe complications.