Evacuation Of Intracerebral Hematoma Research Articles

The endaural subtemporal keyhole: a novel minimally invasive approach to the middle cranial fossa.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a minimally invasive approach to the middle cranial fossa using a novel endaural keyhole. The charts of all patients who underwent this novel minimally invasive approach to the middle cranial fossa were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, cadaveric dissection was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the endaural keyhole to the middle cranial fossa. Six patients (5 female and 1 male; age range 47-77 years) who underwent craniotomy for CSF leak (n = 3), intracerebral hematoma evacuation (n = 2), and tumor resection (n = 1) via the endaural subtemporal approach were identified. There were no approach-related complications noted. Representative imaging from cadaveric dissection is provided with a stepwise discussion of the procedure. The endaural subtemporal keyhole craniotomy provides a novel approach to middle fossa skull base pathology, as well as a minimally invasive approach to intra-axial pathology of the temporal lobe and basal ganglia. Further research is needed to establish the limitations and potential complications of this novel approach.

A spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage case in the right temporal lobe in a patient with hemophilia C (XI factor deficiency)

A 28-year-old man was taken to our hospital with sudden onset of severe headache. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed subcortical hemorrhage of the right temporal lobe. The patient has past medical history of hemophilia C (XI factor deficiency). On neurological examination no deficit was observed (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) -15). 10 hours after admission, his GCS and CT scan of the brain were unchanged. After consultation with the hematologist, he received fresh frozen plasma, mannitol, tranexamic acid during the treatment. But 36 hours after admission, the neurological status was worsened (GCS -12)․ A decision was made to immediately perform a temporal craniotomy with evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. Surgery and the postoperative period were uneventful․ The patient was discharged without neurological deficit․ This case highlights the importance of adequate preparation of the patient presurgically as much as possible to minimizes the risk of complications (rebleeding) during the operation and in the postoperative period.

ROLE OF CEREBRAL IMAGING IN THE MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES FOR INTRACEREBRAL HEMATOMA EVACUATION

Introduction. Intracerebral hemorrhages represent the second most frequent, but the most severe form of stroke, with 1 in 3 patients passing away shortly after its debut. Considering these data, it is necessary to identify efficient ways to evacuate intracerebral hematomas and improve their morbidity and mortality, with brain imaging being truly helpful to neurosurgeons. Objectives. To identify the role of imaging for the evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas. Methods. We performed an extensive literature review, examining the latest published studies and therapeutic protocols. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the latest imaging and surgical techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages. Results. These studies suggest that surgical intervention and evacuation of the hematoma, based on imaging and clinic, can have an immediate lifesaving effect on certain groups of patients, but it does not significantly influence the long-term prognosis and death rate. Conclusions. Modern imaging techniques help neurosurgeons preoperatively, as they can more accurately estimate the benefits of the surgical intervention, intraoperatively through neuronavigation, and postoperatively, modulating therapeutic management by identifying specific imagistic signs. Surgical interventions, both invasive and especially minimally invasive, have a proven positive effect on the evolution of patients, reducing acute mortality, but with uncertain results regarding improving long-term prognosis.

Potential Contribution of Ultrasonography Assistance for the Safe and Steady Procedure of Endoscopic Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Endoscopic hematoma evacuation is one of the most promising procedures for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to avoid severe outcomes, such as death or dependency. However, the effect of the procedure on the functional outcome remains controversial. Thus, standardization and sophistication are required to enhance the surgical results. This study aimed to evaluate the potential efficacy of ultrasonography (US) in endoscopic hematoma evacuation. This study included 39 consecutive patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent endoscopic hematoma evacuation between April 2019 and July 2021. The patients were divided into two groups, namely, surgery with or without US assistance. Rebleeding and evacuation rate were set as the primary endpoints, and operation time, requirement for repeat puncture, and modified Rankin scale at discharge were set as the secondary endpoints. During surgery, the burr hole was placed, and the dura mater was widely opened. The US probe was applied on the brain surface via the burr hole to detect the depth and direction of the hematoma cavity. With US assistance, the hematoma cavity was punctured with a cannula, and the transparent port was introduced into the hematoma cavity along the tract. The hematoma was gently evacuated with the irrigation-suction instrument. Of the 39 cases, 9 underwent endoscopic hematoma evacuation with US assistance. Rebleeding was noted in 0 and 2 (6.7%) patients with and without US assistance, respectively (p = 0.43). The mean hematoma evacuation rates were 78.6 and 80.6% in patients with and without US assistance, respectively (p = 0.80). In all cases with US assistance, the cavity could be reached with a single tap. However, repeat puncture was required in 20 (66.7%) cases without US assistance (p = 0.04). In one case, an unexpected residual hematoma was detected using US, which was applied after hematoma evacuation and before wound closure. The operation time was not extended even if US was used during the surgery. US-assisted hematoma evacuation is an effective procedure that can assist in the precise insertion of the puncture cannula and exclusion of the residual hematoma. US might contribute toward improving the accuracy of each step of the procedure, thus leading to better clinical outcomes.

A novel technique with polypropylene endoport for minimally invasive, microscopic evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage: illustrative case.

BACKGROUNDSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a neurological condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality, which is treated by various surgical techniques that seek minimal parenchymal distortion and maximum evacuation of the hematoma.OBSERVATIONSThe advancement of technology has allowed the development of minimally invasive techniques, but the high cost of its equipment is a limitation for its practice in developing countries or third world countries. A new technique called MEP-BA by its acronym in Spanish (microscope, polypropylene endoport and Foley catheter, bipolar forceps and aspiration) is presented, which seeks optimal results with low-cost materials through a polypropylene endoport with a sterile disposable syringe and Foley catheter, allowing the creation of transcortical or transsulcal corridors for the total evacuation of the hematoma.LESSONSThe neurosurgeon must be a creator and innovator of neurosurgical techniques and equipment that allow procedures to be reproducible worldwide. The MEP-BA technique provides low-cost access through which it allows the use of aspiration and coagulation devices, minimizing brain damage and maximizing the safety and efficacy of intracerebral hematoma evacuation.

Strategic neuronavigation-guided emergent endoscopic evacuation of the hematoma caused by ruptured brain arteriovenous malformation: Technical note and retrospective case series

The treatment strategy for ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) in the acute phase is still controversial. We describe five consecutive cases of successful emergent endoscopic evacuation (EEE) of intracerebral hematoma (ICH) caused by ruptured bAVMs with the electromagnetic (EM)-neuronavigation system to avoid damage to the bAVMs intended to save valuable time in the emergent phase. A single-institution retrospective analysis was performed in patients with ruptured bAVMs treated by the EM-navigated EEE as part of the strategic multimodality therapy. EM-navigated EEE was performed as follows: 1) obtaining three-dimensional computed tomography to identify the location of the nidus, large draining vein, feeding artery, and hematoma; 2) using a supine position without rigid head fixation for both supra- and infratentorial hematoma; 3) planning the entry point and trajectory of the endoscope as far as possible from the location of the nidus using the EM-navigation system; 4) designing a linear skin incision line suitable for the endoscopic surgery as well as possible decompressive craniectomy; and 5) performing EM-navigated endoscopic partial evacuation of ICH. EM-navigated EEE of ICH was successfully performed for all 5 patients, resulting in partial removal of the ICH without rebleeding from bAVMs. The mean surgical time was 37 min. Subsequent strategic endovascular embolization and curative resection of bAVMs could be performed for all patients, achieving Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. EM-navigated EEE of partial ICH may be valuable in the emergent phase of ruptured bAVMs with massive life-threatening ICH to reduce the intracranial pressure and to obtain better prognosis.

The Initial Experience of Endoscopic Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation in Our Hospital

The Initial Experience of Endoscopic Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation in Our Hospital

A-52 Evolving Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation Following Neurosurgical Intervention

Abstract Objective Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are tangled masses of arteries and veins of congenital origin. AVMs are rare (~4.3% in the general population) and symptomatic cases are rarer still (0.1–1%). AVMs account for strokes in 1–2% of cases. We present the case of a 59-year-old, right-handed, Caucasian male, with nine years of formal education, who was evaluated as an inpatient following a ruptured AVM. Method Patient with known history of AVM (Figure 1) presented with headache and new onset seizure. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed rupture of an AVM at the right temporal-occipital junction, with resulting intraparenchymal hemorrhage within the right parieto-occipital lobe and the right ventricular system and 0.8 cm left midline shift (Figure 2). The patient underwent emergency craniotomy for evacuation of intracerebral hematoma, resection of AVM, and placement of right external ventricular drain (EVD). Electroencephalograom (EEG) revealed focal cortical dysfunction over the right hemisphere and moderate encephalopathy. Results (Table 1). Neuropsychological evaluation six days following emergency craniotomy revealed primary impairment in visuoperceptual and visuoconstructional skills (including left neglect; Figures 3 & 4), impairments in working memory, learning/memory of verbal information (with intact recognition), as well as impairment in aspects of language (semantic fluency). These were accompanied by dense anosagnosia pertaining to cognitive deficits, but intact insight related to his hospitalization. Conclusions This is a rare case of symptomatic AVM with neuropsychological evaluation data highlighting the associated evolving cognitive (e.g., left neglect and visuoperceptual disturbance) and neuropsychiatric deficits (e.g., dense anosagnosia) in the context of recent neurosurgical interventions (e.g., evacuation of hemorrhage, placement of EVD, etc.).

Short-term outcomes of endoscopic evacuation of supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: Early experience from developing country.

Background: Minimally invasive endoscopic hematoma evacuation is a promising treatment option for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the technique still needs improvement.Methods: We report our early clinical experience of using this technique to evacuate supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hematomas and evaluate its short-term outcomes.Results: The study included 15 patients, basal ganglia hematoma was the most common location 62.5%, mean preoperative hematoma volume was 61.07 cc, mean ICH score was 3, and mean rate of hematoma evacuation was 89.27%. Factors that could be related to mortality were Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission (P = 0.001), ICH score (P = 0.004); postoperative GCS (P < 0.001), postoperative hematoma volume (P = 0.006); intraventricular extension (P = 0.001), and rate of evacuation (P = 0.001).Conclusion: Endoscopic technique is a safe surgical option for evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial ICH. This minimally invasive technique could be helpful to provide better short-term outcomes for selected patients. However, in our experience, this minimally invasive technique did not change the outcome for cases presented with poor GCS on admission 4/15. Our results warrant a future prospective, randomized, controlled efficacy trial.

Minimally Invasive Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation Using a Novel Cost-Effective Tubular Retractor: Single-Center Experience

Spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (ICH) is a common disease with a dismal overall prognosis. Recent development of minimally invasive ICH evacuation techniques has shown promising results. Commercially available tubular retractors are commonly used for minimally invasive ICH evacuation yet are globally unavailable. A novel U.S. $7 cost-effective, off-the-shelf, atraumatic tubular retractor for minimally invasive intracranial surgery is described. Patients with acute spontaneous ICH underwent microsurgical tubular retractor-assisted minimally invasive ICH evacuation using the novel retractor. Patient outcome was retrospectively analyzed and compared with open surgery and with commercial tubular retractors. Ten adult patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH and median preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10 were included. ICH involved the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipitotemporal region, and solely basal ganglia in 3, 3, 2, and 2 patients, respectively. Mean preoperative ICH volume was 80 mL. Mean residual hematoma volume was 8.7 mL and mean volumetric hematoma reduction was 91% (median, 94%). Seven patients (70%) underwent >90% volumetric hematoma reduction. The total median length of hospitalization was 26 days. On discharge, the median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 12.5 (mean, 11.7). Thirty to 90 days' follow-up data were available for 9 patients (90%). The mean follow-up modified Rankin Scale score was 3.7 and 5 patients (56%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of3. The novel cost-effective tubular retractor and microsurgical technique offer a safe and effective method for minimally invasive ICH evacuation. Cost-effective tubular retractors may continue to present a valid alternative to commercial tubular retractors.

Impact of Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation During Decompressive Hemicraniectomy on Functional Outcomes.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy has been used to treat spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, but the benefit of evacuating the hematoma during the procedure is unclear. We aim to evaluate the utility of performing clot evacuation during hemicraniectomy for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Retrospective cohort of consecutive patients (2010-2019) treated with decompressive hemicraniectomy for a spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage at the University of Iowa. We compared hemicraniectomy alone to hemicraniectomy plus hematoma evacuation. We analyzed clinical features and hematoma characteristics. The outcomes at 6 months were dichotomized into unfavorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1-3) and favorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 4-5). Eighty-three patients underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, 52 with hematoma evacuation, and 31 without hematoma evacuation. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and radiographic characteristics between the 2 groups. Evacuating the hematoma in addition to hemicraniectomy did not change the odds of favorable outcome at 6 months (P=0.806). In this retrospective study, the performance of hematoma evacuation during decompressive hemicraniectomy for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage may not change functional outcomes over performing the hemicraniectomy alone.

Surgical and conservative treatment of patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hematoma: pros and cons

The risk and benefits of early neurosurgical intervention in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hematoma (NICH) are still unclear. To evaluate an effectiveness of early surgery in patients with NICH compared to primary conservative therapy. There were 115 patients with indications for surgery. The indications were supratentorial NICH over 30 cm3 and GCS score >7 points. All patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group (n=59) - NICH removal within 24 hours; the control group (n=56) - conservative treatment only. Both groups were comparable by the main clinical, demographic and neuroimaging characteristics. We analyzed survival rates and functional status using Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE) 6 months later. Median survival in the main group was 71 days vs. 11 days in the control group (p<0.05); cumulative 6-month survival - 46% and 34%, respectively (p>0.05). Surgical treatment resulted higher number of patients with severe (13% vs. 5%) and moderate disability (29% vs. 23%). There were 2% of patients with good recovery in the group of surgical treatment and 4% of patients after conservative management. However, between-group differences were not significant (p>0.05). Early surgical evacuation of non-traumatic intracerebral hematoma is accompanied by less early postoperative mortality. There were no significant between-group differences in functional outcomes and survival rates after 6 months.

Early versus delayed surgical evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hematoma: A prospective cohort study.

Background: The optimum timing for surgical evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hematoma (ICH) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome following early versus delayed surgical evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial ICH.Methods: This is a prospective cohort study including 70 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH ≥30 cc in volume and Glasgow Coma Scale 8–12. Patients were divided into two groups based on the time interval between ictus and surgery; Group A (evacuated within 8 h from ictus) and Group B (evacuated >8 h from ictus). Outcome was assessed at discharge and at 2 months postoperative using extended Glasgow Outcome Scale.Results: The early evacuation group (Group A) included 44 patients and the late evacuation group (Group B) included 26 patients. Favorable outcome was achieved in 20.5% of the patients in Group A and in 11.5% of the patients in Group B. Mortality rate was 18.2% in Group A and 26.9% in Group B. Three patients in Group A and one patient in Group B required reoperation. The mean hospital stay was 17.18 days and 14.54 days in Groups A and B, respectively.Conclusion: Early surgical evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial ICH in patients with good preoperative conscious level is associated with better clinical outcome, particularly in the early postoperative period. Early surgical evacuation has no significant impact on the rate of reoperation or the length of hospital stay.

An Option for Good Outcome of Intracerebral Hematoma

Abstract Background: Intracerebral hematoma affects about 2.5 per 10,000 people each year. The incidence is more in males and older people. The mortality rate is about 44% in the first month. 20% of cases has a good outcome. Symptoms can include headache, one-sided weakness, vomiting, seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and neck stiffness. Often symptoms get worse over time. In many cases bleeding occurs in the brain tissue and the ventricles at the same time. Many procedures and techniques have been introduced for the management of intracerebral hematoma and debate always exist about the management of sizable intracerebral hematomas especially if the conscious level isn't markedly affected. Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of early evacuation of sizable intracerebral hematomas even if the conscious level isn't markedly deteriorated. Method: This is a retrospective study of 30 cases of intracerebral hematoma operated in Kasr El-Aini Hospitals and Bani Suef University Hospitals by evacuation assisted by microscope with a Glasgow Coma Scale more than 10 in most cases with a sizable intracerebral haemorrhage more than 30cc in the volume. Results: This study results was 22 (73%) male patients and 8 (27%) was female patients. The age group was 4 patients (13%) under 30 years, 22 patients (73%) were from 30-45 years and 4 patients (13%) were more than 45 years old. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission was 14-15 in 4 patients (13%) patients, from 10-13 was 14 patients (46%), and from 9 and less was 12 patients (41%). 20 patients (67%) case was diabetics, 23 patients (46%) cases was hypertensive, 2 patients (7%) had chronic renal failure on regular dialysis, 1 patient (3%) case was pregnant. The GCS post-operative was 14-15 in 20 patients (70%), 10-13 in 5 patients (16%), and from 9 and less in 5 (24%) cases. The operation done was evacuation in all cases, decompressive craniectomy in 8 patients (26%), ventriculosubgaleal shunt done (VSG) in 3 patients (10%). The side of the hematoma was left sided in 7 patients (24%), right in 23 patients (76%). Good out come in 25 cases (83%), recollection in 3 (10%) cases, residual hematoma in 2 (6%) of the cases, re evacuation done in 1 patient (3%). Mortality were 4 patients.Conclusion: Sizable intracerebral hematoma (volume more than 30cc) in good Glasgow coma scale mostly obeying orders, spontaneous eye opening, and aphasic or not, to obtain a good outcome is to evacuate the hematoma not to wait for conservative management.

In Reply: Surgical Performance Determines Functional Outcome Benefit in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation (MISTIE) Procedure.

To the Editor: We are grateful for the opportunity to respond to the thoughtful commentary1 stemming from our publication, “Surgical Performance Determines Functional Outcome Benefit in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation (MISTIE) Procedure.”2 We would like to first highlight that the efficacy of intracerebral hematoma (ICH) evacuation in the MISTIE III (Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation) clinical trial was high, achieving a mean end of treatment hematoma volume of 12.6 mL (compared to a mean initial ICH volume of 48.7 mL), and a mean 73.9% hematoma evacuation in surgical cases. A greater evacuation efficacy was achieved when protocol adherence was optimal, and this translated into improved mortality and functional outcomes. New devices have emerged, some gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval recently, to improve fibrinolytic activity, such as ultrasonic tipped, endoscopic or aspiration catheters. These new and additional adjuncts or drugs have not been subjected to the same rigorous safety and protocol performance testing as was done with the MISTIE procedure. Progress in ICH treatment will likely be incremental, including patient selection, optimized intensive care unit (ICU) care, optimized timing of intervention, novel techniques/technology with precision execution, and ultimately a platform with wide generalizability. A key lesson of the MISTIE trial should highlight that MISTIE is much more than just a catheter and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). It includes careful patient selection with etiology screening, bleeding stabilization, surgeon training and experience, state-of-the-art ICU care, and enforced protocol adherence.3 It is difficult to assess the contribution of any single element of this intricate process. It will be equally challenging to evaluate pharmacological adjuncts, unless all other elements are standardized and controlled. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) present a biologically plausible and interesting avenue to enhance clot lysis, or to target those clots that present a challenge to lyse. Preclinical data are needed to confirm this, and prospective clinical data will be needed to understand their potential role in ICH/intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)/subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and different impacts with those various bleeds. Hypotheses must be clearly articulated about the specific bleed type, potential hematologic criteria of resistance to fibrinolysis, goals of maintaining catheter patency versus enhancement of ICH/IVH/SAH thrombolytic clearance, and criteria for superiority in comparative effectiveness. We remain enthusiastic that many investigators are eager to expand the armamentarium for the treatment of ICH with improvements in current treatment paradigms at all levels. Disclosures The authors have no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article.

A novel surgical technique for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma evacuation.

Stereotactic removal of intracerebral hematoma is a routine procedure for treating hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, but the complex sequence of operations limits its adoption. We explored the application of a novel surgical technique for the removal of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas. The surgical technique based on computed tomography (CT) images was used in hematoma projection and surgical planning. Markers placed on the scalp based on an Android smartphone app allowed the installation of a stereotactic head frame to facilitate the selection of the best trajectory to the hematoma center for removing the hematoma. Forty-two patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were included in the study, including 33 cases of supratentorial hemorrhage, 5 cases of cerebellum hemorrhage, and 4 cases of brain stem hemorrhage. The surgical technique combined with the stereotactic head frame helped the tip of the drainage tube achieve the desired position. The median surgical time was 45 (range 25-75)min. The actual head frame operating time was 10 (range 5-15)min. Target alignment performed by the surgical technique was accurate to ≤ 10.0mm in all 42 cases. No patient experienced postoperative rebleeding. In 33 cases of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage, an average evacuation rate of 77.5% was achieved at postoperative 3.1 ± 1.4days, and 29 (87.9%) cases had a residual hematoma of < 15ml. The novel surgical technique helped to quickly and effortlessly localize hematomas and achieve satisfactory hematoma removal. Clinical application of the stereotactic head frame was feasible for intracerebral hemorrhage in various locations.

The Functional Outcome of Spontaneous Hypertensive Supratentorial Intracerebral Haemorrhage after Surgery

This study was to determine the different parameters that affect the outcome and the functional recovery after surgical evacuation of spontaneous hypertensive supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage. This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in the Department of Neuro- surgery, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during a period of 4 years from January 2016 to December 2019 and total 96 patients were included in this study. Patients with post-traumatic hematomas, intracranial space-occupying lesions with bleeds, haemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic stroke, vascular malformations, aneurysms, and infratentorial haemorrhages were excluded from the study. Decompressive craniotomy and evacuation of clot was performed in most of the cases. The outcome of the patients was categorized according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Outcome was classified as “favourable” if the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was 5 or 4, and classified as “unfavorable” if GOS score was 3 or less. The mean age of the patients was 57.99±12.74 years with male and female ratio was 1.66. The mean blood volume was 28±19.99 cc and all patients were hypertensive. There was significant difference (p &lt;0.001) in outcome in relation of age and volume of blood. Age &gt; 70 years, GCS &lt; 8 on admission, clot volume above 40 cc, and intraventricular extension remain the most consistent predictors of mortality and poor outcome following surgical evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hematoma. The present study could only assess mortality and the functional outcome. Since a proportion of survivors had an unfavorable outcome, quality of life measures is important and need to be addressed in future studies.

Stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: Case series

IntroductionMinimally invasive techniques such as stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (SICH) evacuation can minimize brain tissue damage due to surgery. We share our experience of adopting stereotactic aspiration of SICH in our center without compromising safety. Presentation of casesThree stereotactic aspiration procedures for SICH immediately after 24 h of onset are reported. All cases showed good results. Level of consciousness of all the patient returned to normal. Two patients could carry out routine activities independently. One patient has left hemiparesis. DiscussionStereotactic aspiration of SICH has been newly implemented at our center with acceptable results achieved. Patient selection has an important role in determining the choice of technique. The procedures were done without anticoagulant agent. Stereotactic aspiration of SICH is associated with limited brain tissue damage, shorter duration of surgery, reduced length of stay, faster postoperative healing, and better functional improvement. ConclusionStereotactic aspiration of SICH is a minimally invasive defined strategy for hematoma evacuation without compromising safety.

Emergency Free-Hand Bedside Catheter Evacuation of Large Intracerebral Hematomas Following Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke: A Case Series

Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) following systemic thrombolysis for ischemic stroke is often devastating, and open surgical evacuation is considered dangerous due to the increased risk of perioperative bleeding, and stereotactic placement of a catheter is too time-consuming. We therefore evaluated the feasibility of a free-hand bedside catheter technique for emergency hematoma evacuation. Patients who had a supratentorial sICH after thrombolysis, a hematoma volume > 30ml, and an ensuing reduction in vigilance were consecutively treated with acute minimally invasive catheter hematoma evacuation. Catheter insertion and trajectory were planned via 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (CT) scan, and free-hand insertion of an external ventricular catheter into the core of the hematoma was performed bedside, followed by careful blood aspiration. Cranial CT was used to verify catheter position and residual hematoma volume. In cases, where the residual volume exceeded 15ml, urokinase (5000IE) was administered into the clot every 6h until the volume decreased to < 15ml. In all six patients, catheter aspiration immediately reduced hematoma volume by 77%, from 73 ± 20ml to 17 ± 16ml (p = 0.028). In four patients, the hematoma was almost completely removed (< 10ml) by singular aspiration. In the remaining two patients with a residual hematoma size > 15ml, consecutive urokinase application resulted in a further reduction to 1ml and 15ml, respectively, after 30h. The median National Institues of Health Stroke Scale/Score after sICH was 19.5 points, rapidly decreasing to 11 after catheter aspiration (p = 0.027), and further improving to 4 at discharge. No procedure-related complications were observed. Emergency free-hand bedside catheter aspiration is a reasonable option for hematoma evacuation in large thrombolysis-associated sICH when performed by experienced neurosurgeons. Larger studies would help in determining the generalizability of our findings to other centers and assessing their impact on functional outcome.

The Predictive Role of Postoperative Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio for 30-Day Mortality After Intracerebral Hematoma Evacuation

To evaluate whether the postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a prognostic marker for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) undergoing surgical hematoma evacuation. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify patients with ICH who underwent hematoma evacuation between January 2013 and December 2018. Data on demographics, clinical features, laboratory tests (admission and postoperative), and imaging information were collected. The associations between variables and 30-day mortality were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The predictive power of independent predictors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A total of 380 patients were included. Multivariable analysis identified admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.70; P < 0.001) and initial hematoma volume (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P= 0.022) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. With regard to laboratory biomarkers, postoperative NLR (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P= 0.014) was independently correlated with 30-day death, but admission NLR (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.97-1.03; P= 0.944) was not. The best predictive cutoff point of 12.97 for postoperative NLR (area under the ROC curve, 0.606; P= 0.006) for predicting 30-day mortality was determined by ROC analysis. In patients with ICH undergoing hematoma evacuation, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, initial hematoma volume, and postoperative NLR were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Postoperative NLR may be a prognostic marker in surgical ICH patients, and future studies are needed to confirm this finding.