Surgical Management of a Post-traumatic Intracranial Hematoma

Abstract

Surgery is one of the primary options for the management of traumatic brain injury(TBI). We focused on operative techniques, additional options, and potential pitfalls of surgical intervention for intracranial hematomas, such as acute subdural hematoma(ASDH), acute epidural hematoma(AEDH), cerebral contusion, and intracerebral hematoma. A wide craniotomy covering the hematoma was recommended for a case of AEDH to evacuate the hematoma, control bleeding, and prevent blood reaccumulation. Combined multiple craniotomies leaving a bone bridge over the sinus for dural tenting sutures enabled safe surgical intervention in a case of AEDH with sinus injuries. Different surgical techniques have been advocated for the evacuation of ASDH. Large craniotomy is often chosen as it can easily be shifted to decompressive craniectomy in case of brain swelling. It is important to pay attention to injuries of dural sinuses and bridging veins, and to expose the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Small craniotomy or endoscopic burr-hole evacuation of ASDH has been accepted as a way to avoid large craniotomies and additional morbidity, particularly for patients who are poor surgical candidates. Contusion necrotomy is performed for satisfactory control of progressive elevation in intracranial pressure and clinical deterioration.