Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Research Articles

The influence of irrigation fluid temperature on recurrence in the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma

BackgroundChronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) are one of the most common conditions requiring neurosurgical treatment. The reported recurrence after surgery is 3–21.5% with closed system drainage. In clinical practice, irrigation fluids at body temperature (37 °C) and at room temperature (22 °C) are routinely used in the evacuation of cSDH. Our hypothesis was that irrigation at body temperature might have more beneficial effects on coagulation and solubility of the chronic subdural hematoma than irrigation at room temperature. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different intraoperative irrigation fluid temperatures on recurrence rates.MethodsThis was a retrospective study where we included all consecutive patients from a defined geographical area of western Sweden between September 2013 and November 2014. In the course of 6 months, we performed intraoperative irrigation at body temperature (37 °C, BT-group) during burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma. This was then compared with the previous 6-month period, when irrigation fluid at room temperature (22 °C, RT-group) was used. The primary endpoint was same-sided recurrence in need of reoperation within 6 months.ResultsRecurrence occurred in 11 of 84 (13.1%) patients in the RT-group compared with 4 of 88 (4.5%) in the BT-group (p = 0.013). There were no significant between-group differences regarding age, sex, duration of surgery, frequency of bilateral hematomas, hematoma density, and use of anticoagulant/antithrombotic therapy.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that intraoperative irrigation fluid at body temperature is associated with lower recurrence rates compared with irrigation fluid at room temperature. To investigate this further, a prospective randomized controlled trial has been initiated (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT0275235).Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0275235

Efficacy of Single Burr Hole in Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Background: Surgery of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common practice of neurosurgeons. CSDH is considered a pathology of the elderly and usually many co-morbidities are present. CSDH carries high risk of mortality if not treated or not treated well. So, the minimal, safe and adequate surgical intervention is the bases to choose specific surgical maneuver. Aim of the Study: The efficacy of a single burr in evacuation and treatment of chronic subdural hematoma. Methods: This study was held in Assiut university hospitals, neurosurgical department. It is a prospective randomized controlled study. 113 patients were enrolled in this study in the period between March 2018 and June 2019. We included all cases of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and subacute subdural hematoma that were evacuated with single burr hole. Hematomas either, unilateral or bilateral were included. Septated hematomas were excluded. Patients’ clinical characteristics as age, sex, clinical presentation, co-morbidities and patients outcome were recorded. Postoperative status as regards improvement of the neurological status, complications and recurrence of hematoma were recorded. Results: We had 113 patients operated via properly situated single burr hole in our study. 113 patients were included in this study, 79 males (69.9%) and 34 females (30.1%). Age of the patients ranges between 27 years old and 90 years old. Postoperative follow up was evaluated according to Glasgow outcome score (GOS). We had 98 patients with good recovery, 4 patients with moderate disability, 6 patients with severe disability and 5 patients died. Complications were in form of 3 patients with residual hematoma, 2 patients with tension pneumocephalus, 7 patients developed postoperative seizure, 5 cases developed cortical/parenchymal hematoma and 9 cases developed hematoma recurrence. Conclusion: Single, properly situated burr hole with previously described characters is an effective treatment option in cases of CSDH. It helps adequate, effective and safe removal of the pathology with limited maneuver.

Patterns of care: burr-hole cover application for chronic subdural hematoma trepanation.

Skin depressions may appear as undesired effects after burr-hole trepanation for the evacuation of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Placement of burr-hole covers to reconstruct skull defects can prevent skin depressions, with the potential to improve the aesthetic result and patient satisfaction. The perception of the relevance of this practice, however, appears to vary substantially among neurosurgeons. The authors aimed to identify current practice variations with regard to the application of burr-hole covers after trepanation for cSDH. An electronic survey containing 12 questions was sent to resident and faculty neurosurgeons practicing in different parts of the world, as identified by an Internet search. All responses completed between September 2018 and December 2018 were considered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. A total of 604 responses were obtained, of which 576 (95.4%) provided complete data. The respondents' mean age was 42.4 years (SD 10.5), and 86.5% were male. The sample consisted of residents, fellows, junior/senior consultants, and department chairs from 79 countries (77.4% Europe, 11.8% Asia, 5.4% America, 3.5% Africa, and 1.9% Australasia). Skin depressions were considered a relevant issue by 31.6%, and 76.0% indicated that patients complain about skin depressions more or less frequently. Burr-hole covers are placed by 28.1% in the context of cSDH evacuation more or less frequently. The most frequent reasons for not placing a burr-hole cover were the lack of proven benefit (34.8%), followed by additional costs (21.9%), technical difficulty (19.9%), and fear of increased complications (4.9%). Most respondents (77.5%) stated that they would consider placing burr-hole covers in the future if there was evidence for superiority of the practice. The use of burr-hole covers varied substantially across countries, but a country's gross domestic product per capita was not associated with their placement. Only a minority of neurosurgeons place burr-hole covers after trepanation for cSDH on a regular basis, even though the majority of participants reported complaints from patients regarding postoperative skin depressions. There are significant differences in the patterns of care among countries. Class I evidence with regard to patient satisfaction and safety of burr-hole cover placement is likely to have an impact on future cSDH management.

Factors Predicting the Need for Surgery of the Opposite Side After Unilateral Evacuation of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas.

Patients with bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (bCSDH) undergo unilateral evacuation for the large or symptomatic side because the contralateral hematoma is either small or asymptomatic. However, the contralateral hematoma may subsequently grow and require evacuation. To characterize factors that predict contralateral hematoma growth and need for evacuation. A retrospective study on 128 surgically treated bCSDHs. Fifty-one and 77 were bilaterally and unilaterally evacuated, respectively. Glasgow Coma Scale was lower and midline shift was higher in those evacuated unilaterally compared to those evacuated bilaterally. Hematoma size was a significant determinant of decision for unilateral vs bilateral evacuation. The contralateral side needed evacuation at a later stage in 7 cases (9.1%). There was no significant difference in terms of reoperation rate between those evacuated unilaterally and bilaterally. Greater contralateral hematoma thickness on the first postoperative day computed tomography (CT) and more postoperative midline shift reversal had higher rates of operation in the opposite side. There was no difference between the daily pace of hematoma decrease in the operated and nonoperated sides (0.7% decrease per day vs 0.9% for the operated and nonoperated sides, respectively). Results of this study show that most bCSDHs evacuated unilaterally do not experience growth in the nonoperated side and unilateral evacuation results in hematoma resolution for both sides in most cases. Hematoma thickness on the opposite side on the first postoperative day CT and amount of midline shift reversal after surgery are the most important factors predicting the need for surgery on the opposite side.

Commentary: Factors Predicting the Need for Surgery of the Opposite Side After Unilateral Evacuation of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas.

Commentary: Factors Predicting the Need for Surgery of the Opposite Side After Unilateral Evacuation of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas.

Minimally Invasive Subacute to Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation with Angled Matchstick Drill and Repurposed Antibiotic Ventriculostomy Catheter Augmented with Alteplase: A Technical Case Report.

The operative management of subacute subdural hematomas (sSDHs) and chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) in the elderly is complicated by age itself, multiple medical comorbidities, and anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications; therefore, the search for less invasive, yet more effective, treatment techniques has become a goal. Here, we present the use of a repurposed ventriculostomy catheter in the minimally invasive drainage of a mixed sSDH with the residual solid clot component subsequently liquefied with local alteplase (tPA) administration in an elderly female producing effective hematoma and symptom resolution.

Pros and cons of a minimally invasive percutaneous subdural drainage system for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma under local anesthesia

ObjectiveChronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is a common neurosurgical disease among elderly population with concomitant degenerative neurological disorders. This is a retrospective series-control analysis of prospectively collected data, aiming to show advantages and indications of a minimally invasive, percutaneous drainage system for CSH. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyse the clinical and radiological data of a minimally invasive, percutaneous draining system (Integra ™) used in fifteen patients (Group A; mean age: 75.7) with CSH, and compare them with those obtained from two retrospective series of patients: the first one (Group B 15 patients, mean age 77.1) treated with standard, single-burr hole technique for subdural drainage under general anaesthesia; the second one (Group C 15 patients, mean age 76.4) treated with standard, single-burr hole technique for subdural drainage under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. All The percutaneous procedures (Group A) were performed under local anaesthesia. ResultsMean follow-up was 10.9 (range 3–14), 18.2 (range 10–29) and 15.2 (range 8–28) months in Group A, B and C respectively. Three of 15 and in Group B experienced a worsening of pre-existing neurodegenerative disorders after general anaesthesia. One patient in group C suffering from Parkinson’s disease experienced a worsening of gait disturbances. Post-operative CT scans were performed at 48 h and 21 days after the operation. An early post-operative CT-scan, obtained immediately after surgical procedure, was performed in all Group A patients. No differences in CSH evacuation were observed comparing the three groups. Two recurrent hematomas, one in group A and one in group B, required revision. Post-operative hospitalization was similar (5.1 vs 5.7 vs 5.6 days, respectively, in group A, B and C) but analgesics use was lower in Group A. ConclusionPre-operative evaluation of radiological features of CSDHs is crucial in determining the right indication for a minimally invasive drainage. Minimally invasive treatments of CSH may reduce the use of anaesthetic drugs and worsening of pre-existing neurodegenerative disorders.

Morbidity and Mortality After Burr Hole Craniostomy Versus Craniotomy for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation: A Single-Center Experience

Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) are common neurosurgical pathological entities and typically occur after trauma in elderly patients. The 2 most commonly used strategies for treatment have included burr hole drainage and craniotomy with decompression. However, the choice of these procedures has remained controversial and has been primarily determined by surgeon preference. We designed a matched-cohort analysis to compare these 2 procedures and identify the risk factors associated with the postoperative outcomes. Thus, we compared the rates of reoperation and mortality for patients who had undergone craniotomy versus burr hole evacuation for cSDH. A retrospective review examining the data from 299 consecutive patients with cSHDs from 2002 to 2015 was performed. We compared the following endpoints between the 2 procedures: 30-day mortality, discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and the need for reoperation. We also compared the potential risk factors in the patients with different primary outcomes. Patients undergoing craniotomy had a decreased need for reoperation compared with patients treated with burr hole evacuation (7.5% vs. 15.7%; P= 0.044). Older age was associated with both increased disposition to a nursing facility and increased 30-day mortality in both groups. Increased 30-day mortality was associated with aspirin usage in patients who had undergone craniotomy and with warfarin (Coumadin) in patients who had undergone burr hole evacuation. Our study identified an increased need for reoperation for patients treated with burr hole evacuation compared with those undergoing craniotomy. Older age and low Glasgow coma scale scores were associated with worse outcomes in both groups. Certain methods of anticoagulation were also associated with worse outcomes, which varied between the 2 groups. We recommend that surgeons individualize the choice of procedure according to the specific patient characteristics with consideration of these findings.

Does Drain Position and Duration Influence Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Burr-Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma? Lessons from a UK Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundDrain insertion following chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation improves patient outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine whether this is influenced by variation in drain location, positioning or duration of placement.MethodsWe performed a subgroup analysis of a previously reported multicenter, prospective cohort study of CSDH patients performed between May 2013 and January 2014. Data were analyzed relating drain location (subdural or subgaleal), position (through a frontal or parietal burr hole), and duration of insertion, to outcomes in patients aged >16 yr undergoing burr-hole drainage of primary CSDH. Primary outcomes comprised modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge and symptomatic recurrence requiring redrainage within 60 d.ResultsA total of 577 patients were analyzed. The recurrence rate of 6.7% (12/160) in the frontal subdural drain group was comparable to 8.8% (30/343) in the parietal subdural drain group. Only 44/577 (7.6%) patients underwent subgaleal drain insertion. Recurrence rates were comparable between subdural (7.7%; 41/533) and subgaleal (9.1%; 4/44) groups (P = .95). We found no significant differences in discharge mRS between these groups. Recurrence rates were comparable between patients with postoperative drainage for 1 or 2 d, 6.4% and 8.4%, respectively (P = .44). There was no significant difference in mRS scores between these 2 groups (P = .56).CONCLUSIONDrain insertion after CSDH drainage is important, but position (subgaleal or subdural) and duration did not appear to influence recurrence rate or clinical outcomes. Similarly, drain location did not influence recurrence rate nor outcomes where both parietal and frontal burr holes were made. Further prospective cohort studies or randomized controlled trials could provide further clarification.

Unilateral chronic subdural hematoma due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension: a report of four cases

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical disease. A subset of patients with CSDH may exhibit underlying spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Bilateral CSDH has a causal relationship with SIH, but there is no known causal relationship between unilateral CSDH and SIH.Case description: We encountered four cases of unilateral CSDH due to SIH. The patients’ age ranged between 44 and 64 years; there were three males and one female. All patients presented with headache as their initial symptom, and then became comatose. Computed tomography demonstrated unilateral CSDH and transtentorial herniation in all patients. Treatments were emergency epidural blood patch (EBP) and evacuation of CSDH. The site of cerebrospinal fluid leak could not be identified in three patients; therefore, EBP was performed at upper and lower spine. All patients recovered from SIH; however, one patient experienced poor outcome due to Duret hemorrhage and ischemic complications of transtentorial herniation. Cranial asymmetry was present in all four patients, and unilateral CSDH was located on the side of the most curved cranial convexity.Conclusions: Unilateral CSDH, asymmetric cranial morphology, and transtentorial herniation in relatively young patients may indicate underlying SIH.

New Onset Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage Following Infant Feeding Tube-Guided Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Report of Two Cases

AbstractChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions and is usually treated by simple burr-hole drainage. Prognosis is usually good unless complications occur. Use of infant feeding tube (IFT) for irrigation of hematoma in case of CSDH with septum is a common practice. However, it poses a significant risk. We present two cases of intraparenchymal hemorrhage as a complication of CSDH evacuation in which IFT was used for irrigation.

Subdural versus subgaleal drainage for chronic subdural hematomas: a post hoc analysis of the TOSCAN trial.

The use of subdural drains after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) decreases the risk of recurrence and has become the standard of care. Halfway through the controlled, randomized TOSCAN (Randomized Trial of Follow-up CT after Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma) trial, the authors' institutional guidelines changed to recommend subgaleal instead of subdural drainage. The authors report a post hoc analysis on the influence of drain location in patients participating in the TOSCAN trial. The study involved 361 patients enrolled in the TOSCAN trial. The patients were stratified according to whether they received surgery before (cohort A) or after (cohort B) the change in institutional protocol. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed with surgery for recurrence as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were outcome-based on modified Rankin Scale scores, seizures, infections, parenchymal brain injuries, and hematoma diameter. Of the 361 patients included in the analysis, 214 were stratified into cohort A (subdural drainage recommended), while 147 were stratified into cohort B (subgaleal drainage recommended). There was a 31.78% rate of crossover from the subdural to the subgaleal drainage insertion site due to technical or anatomical difficulties. No differences in the rates of reoperation (21.5% [cohort A] vs 25.17% [cohort B], OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.50-1.34, p = 0.415), infections (0.47% [cohort A] vs 2.04% [cohort B], OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.02-2.19, p = 0.199), seizures (3.27% [cohort A] vs 2.72% [cohort B], OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.35-4.21, p = 0.765), or favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3) at 1 and 6 months (91.26% [cohort A] vs 96.43% [cohort B], OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14-1.07, p = 0.067; 89.90% [cohort A] vs 91.55% [cohort B], OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.39-1.73, p = 0.605) were noted between the two cohorts. Postoperatively, patients in cohort A had more frequent parenchymal brain tissue injuries (2.8% vs 0%, p = 0.041). Postoperative absolute and relative hematoma reduction was similar irrespective of the location of the drain. Subgaleal rather than subdural placement of the drain did not increase the risk for reoperation for recurrence of CSHs, nor did it have a negative impact on clinical or radiological outcome. The intention to place a subdural drain was associated with a higher rate of parenchymal injuries.

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Transition of a Clinical Practice to Use of Subdural Drains After Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: The Helsinki Experience”

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Transition of a Clinical Practice to Use of Subdural Drains After Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: The Helsinki Experience”

Outcomes of Subdural Versus Subperiosteal Drain After Burr-Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Although the use of a postoperative drain after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is known to improve surgical outcomes, the superiority of subdural over subperiosteal drains has not been firmly established. Evidence comparing these 2 drain types is largely restricted to single-center series with limited numbers. Using a multicenter cohort study, we aimed to show noninferiority of subperiosteal drains vis-à-vis subdural drains after burr-hole evacuation of CSDH. We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with CSDH aged 21 years and older who had undergone burr-hole craniostomy across 3 tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2017. Primary outcome measures included CSDH recurrence and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months. Outcomes of patients in the subdural and subperiosteal drain groups were analyzed and confounders were adjusted for using multivariate logistic regression. Of the 570 cases analyzed, 329 (57.7%) received a subdural drain and 241 (42.3%) received a subperiosteal drain. There was no significant difference between the 2 drain groups in CSDH recurrence (13.1% in the subdural group vs. 11.2% in the subperiosteal group; P= 0.502) or 6-month mRS score (27.2% with mRS 4-6 in the subdural group vs. 20.4% in the subperiosteal group; P= 0.188). Independent predictors of CSDH recurrence identified on multivariate analysis included premorbid mRS score 0-3 (P= 0.021), separated CSDH type on preoperative computed tomography scan (P= 0.002), and postoperative pneumocephalus of ≥15 mm (P= 0.005). Outcomes of subdural and subperiosteal drains after burr-hole craniostomy for CSDH are largely equivalent based on our findings.

Sensitivity of the Mount Fuji Sign After Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Nonagenarians.

The Mount Fuji sign (MFS) is a radiological sign on computed tomographic scans depicting air between the frontal lobes. Air in this location indicates tension pneumocephalus (TP), considered a neurosurgical emergency.We evaluate the correlation between the MFS and perioperative mortality attributed to TP in nonagenarians who have undergone evacuation of chronic subdural hemorrhage (cSDH). We retrospectively reviewed the records of nonagenarians who had cSDH evacuation between 2006 and 2015. Postoperative computed tomographic images were evaluated for findings consistent with the MFS. Of 45 patients, 15 patients (33%) had radiological MFS, and 3 patients (20%) with MFS required reoperation because of new blood collection. No patient required reoperation because of TP. Perioperative (30-day) mortality in patients demonstrating the MFS was 6.67% caused by cardiac arrhythmia versus 13.33% mortality in patients with no evidence of the MFS. Mount Fuji sign in nonagenarians after cSDH evacuation is not a specific sign of TP.

Efficacy of Trauma Catheter and Mushroom Tip Catheter in Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Complications of Drain Placement.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and complications of trauma catheter versus mushroom tip catheter placement in the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma via twist drill craniostomy with closed system drainage.BackgroundChronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical pathologies in patients >70 years of age with an estimated incidence of 8.2 per 100,000 people per year. The most common risk factors for cSDH are advanced age, alcohol abuse, seizures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts, coagulopathies, blood thinners, and patients at risk for falling. Twist drill craniostomy can be performed at the bedside under local anesthesia, making it an attractive treatment option, especially in poly-morbid patients who are poor surgical candidates. A closed drainage system is placed at the time of surgery to allow continuous drainage and promote postoperative brain expansion. Despite the increasing prevalence, limited literature exists to guide surgical management, particularly in terms of drain management and selection of catheter. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 205 patients from January 2007 to May 2017 at two-level high volume centers for the evaluation and treatment of cSDH. Inclusion criteria include patients >18 years of age with the radiographic presence of a subdural hematoma for greater than three weeks. All patients were managed with either a trauma catheter or mushroom tip catheter. All patients received computed tomography (CT) of the head without contrast prior to subdural drain placement and within 24 hours after subdural drain removal. Exclusion criteria include patients <18 years of age and patients with depressed skull fractures, vascular malformations, subdural empyema, subdural hygroma, or who initially underwent open craniotomy or burr-hole craniotomy.ResultsDrain efficiency in evacuating the cSDH was assessed using both radiographic and clinical markers. Analysis of 205 patients treated by twist drill craniostomy and the subsequent closed system drainage utilizing either the mushroom tip catheter or trauma catheter revealed that neither catheter was superior in producing a statistically significant change in the maximum thickness of the cSDH (p = 0.35) and midline shift (p = 0.45). Furthermore, when assessing patients clinically via utilization of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), both the trauma catheter and the mushroom catheter did not show a statistically significant difference in improving GCS after the evacuation of the cSDH (p = 0.35). Neither catheter was associated with an increased incidence of hemorrhage with drain placement requiring open surgery (p = 0.12), need for additional drain placement (p = 0.13) or decline in GCS with intervention (p = 0.065).ConclusionAnalysis of the 205 patients treated by twist drill craniostomy with closed system drainage for the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma utilizing either the mushroom tip or trauma catheters revealed that neither catheter was statistically significant in radiographic or clinical improvement in evacuating cSDH. Furthermore, neither catheter was found to be associated with an increased complication risk.

Single Burr Hole Craniostomy for Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Single Burr Hole Craniostomy for Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Transition of a Clinical Practice to Use of Subdural Drains after Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: The Helsinki Experience

A number of randomized controlled trials have shown the benefit of drain placement in the operative treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH); however, few reports have described real-life results after adoption of drain placement into clinical practice. We report the results following a change in practice at Helsinki University Hospital from no drain to subdural drain (SD) placement after burr hole craniostomy for CSDH. We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients undergoing burr hole craniostomy for CSDH. We compared outcomes between a 6-month period when SD placement was arbitrary (July-December 2015) and a period when SD placement for 48 hours was routine (July-December 2017). Our primary outcome of interest was recurrence of CSDH necessitating reoperation within 6 months. Patient outcomes, infections, and other complications were assessed as well. A total of 161 patients were included, comprising 71 (44%) in the drain group and 90 (56%) in the non-drain group. There were no significant differences in age, comorbidities, history of trauma, or use of antithrombotic agents between the 2 groups (P > 0.05 for all). Recurrence within 6 months occurred in 18% of patients in the non-drain group, compared with 6% in the drain group (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.87; P=0.028). There were no differences in neurologic outcomes (P= 0.72), mortality (P= 0.55), infection rate (P=0.96), or other complications (P= 0.20). The change in practice from no drain to use of an SD after burr hole craniostomy for CSDH effectively reduced the 6-month recurrence rate with no effect on patient outcomes, infections, or other complications.

Novel use of dual-lumen catheter for irrigation and drainage after evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is an intracranial pathology most commonly affecting elderly patients. Patients may present with worsening headache, seizures, weakness, balance and gait problems, and memory deficits. Even in patients undergoing hematoma evacuation, there is a substantial risk for recurrence. The authors present the first use of an irrigating external ventricular drain (EVD) in the United States in the perioperative management of a patient with chronic subdural hematoma treated with craniotomy (IRRAS Stockholm Sweden). An 82-year-old male presented with right sided weakness, confusion, and right-sided neglect with expressive aphasia was found to have a large 2.5 cm chronic subdural with 9 mm left to right midline shift. The patient was treated with a mini craniotomy to evacuate the hematoma and placement of an irrigating drain in the subdural space. The patient was discharged home on post-operative day 3 without complication. Patient was at neurological baseline two weeks later upon follow-up. The use of an irrigating drain for perioperative management of cSDH is a novel means to prevent recurrence and warrants further exploration.

Risk Factors for Contralateral Hematoma Progression after Unilateral Evacuation of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas

To find risk factors for contralateral hematoma progression (CHP) in bilateral chronic subdural hematomas after initial unilateral evacuation. We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients with bilateral chronic subdural hematomas who underwent unilateral surgical evacuation in our department. Risk factors for CHP were identified by univariate analysis, a P value <0.05 were entered into multivariate logistic regression model and a predictive receiver operating characteristic curve model. The progression rate was 32.08%, the average progression interval was 2.32 months. The progression rate of the homogeneous hypodense group was significantly higher than that of the other density group (P= 0.017). The limited type of contralateral hematoma had a significantly lower progression rate than that of the widespread type (P= 0.001). Both pre- and postoperative volume of contralateral hematoma were significantly more in the CHP group compared with the contralateral hematoma without progression group (P= 0.031 and P= 0.001, respectively). Of the 4 risk factors, only postoperative volume of contralateral hematoma was an independent risk factor in multivariate logistic regression model (P= 0.033; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.124). The cut-off values of contralateral hematoma volume before and after operation were 29.27 cm3 and 37.84 cm3, respectively. Contralateral hematoma volume after operation is an independent risk predictor for CHP after unilateral evacuation. An additional surgery on contralateral hematoma or medical treatment should be taken into consideration if the volume is >37.84 cm3 in the first cranial computed tomography scan after surgery.