Surgical Evacuation Of Hematoma Research Articles

Rectus sheath haematoma following exercise testing: a case report

IntroductionExercise testing is a safe diagnostic procedure which is widely used in the evaluation of patients suspected of having coronary heart disease or for the assessment of the prognosis in patients with established disease. Its complications are mainly cardiac disorders. Here, we report a rectus sheath haematoma as a complication of this procedure in a patient with acute coronary syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of rectus sheath haematoma in association with exercise testing.Case presentationA 72-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted for acute coronary syndrome. She received conservative treatment including low molecular weight heparin and anti-platelet agents. On the fifth day of her hospital stay, she underwent an exercise test, where no ischaemic response occurred. Several hours later, she experienced pain in the left side of her abdomen. Subsequent investigations revealed a rectus sheath haematoma. The patient underwent surgical haematoma evacuation. A few days later, re-operation was performed for recurrent bleeding in the abdominal wall. The patient had several characteristics known to increase the risk of bleeding during treatment for acute coronary syndrome.ConclusionAwareness of this possible consequence of exercise testing is important for preventing and treating it correctly. For prevention, an assessment of the bleeding risk of the individual patient is necessary before the test, and excessive anticoagulation must be avoided.

Pushable springcoil embolization of pseudoaneurysms caused by gluteal stab injuries

Purpose To retrospectively review the outcomes of 21 patients with stab wounds to the gluteal region who underwent embolization for pseudoaneurysms causing active bleeding. Materials and methods Between 1997 and 2007, 3 superior gluteal artery, 2 inferior gluteal artery and 16 deep femoral artery muscular branch pseudoaneurysms detected by digital subtraction angiography were selectively catheterized with diagnostic catheters with hydrophilic coating and embolized with pushable springcoils. 17 of the 21 pseudoaneurysms were located in a distal end of an artery where outflow vessels could not be depicted. The other 4 lesions were side wall injuries which required the placement of coils distal and proximal to the injury site. Results Embolization was successful in controlling the bleeding in all of the patients. 16 patients required 1 or 2 coils, 4 patients required 3 coils and 1 patient required 5 coils. 2 patients had femoral puncture site hematomas which resolved spontaneously. 2 patients required surgical evacuation of large gluteal hematomas following the embolization because of symptoms second to mass effect. There were no procedure related major complications or mortality. Conclusions Our experience demonstrates that pushable coil embolization is a relatively simple, effective and economic method for the embolization of pseudoaneurysms caused by penetrating gluteal injuries. Experimenting with other embolization materials does not seem to be justified.

Early Return to Surgery for Evacuation of a Postoperative Hematoma After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Development of a postoperative hematoma is a reported complication after primary total knee arthroplasty. However, little is known about the clinical outcomes in patients who require surgical evacuation of an acute hematoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of postoperative hematomas requiring surgical evacuation. From 1981 to 2004, 17,784 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed at our institution. Forty-two patients (forty-two knees) returned to the operating room within thirty days of the index arthroplasty for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma. A case-control study, with forty-two patients matched one-to-one with forty-two control subjects, was performed to attempt to identify risk factors for the development of postoperative hematoma requiring surgical evacuation. The rate of return to surgery within thirty days for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma was 0.24% (95% confidence interval, 0.17% to 0.32%). For patients undergoing postoperative hematoma evacuation, the two-year cumulative probabilities of undergoing subsequent major surgery (component resection, muscle flap coverage, or amputation) or having a deep infection develop were 12.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.6% to 22.4%) and 10.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.2% to 20.2%), respectively. In contrast, for knees without early hematoma evacuation, the two-year cumulative probabilities were 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.5% to 0.7%) and 0.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.6% to 0.9%), respectively (p < 0.001 for both outcomes). A history of a bleeding disorder was identified as having a significant association with the development of a hematoma requiring surgical evacuation (p = 0.046). Patients who return to the operating room within thirty days after the index total knee arthroplasty for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma are at significantly increased risk for the development of deep infection and/or undergoing subsequent major surgery. These results support all efforts to minimize the risk of postoperative hematoma formation.

Recombinant Factor VIIa plus Surgery for Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Hyperacute surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with a high rebleeding rate. The peri-operative administration of rFVIIa to patients with intracerebral hemorrhage may decrease the frequency of post-operative hemorrhage, and improve outcome. Patients receiving recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIA) therapy immediately prior to acute surgery were collected at two centres. The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score and ICH Grading Scale were determined, as was long-term outcome using the modified Rankin Scale. Residual/recurrent clot was evaluated by comparing pre-operative to post-operative CT scans. Fifteen patients with intracerebral hemorrhage received 40-90 microg/kg of rFVIIa and underwent surgical hematoma evacuation at a median time of five hours following symptom onset. Median pre-operative clot volume was 60 ml, decreasing to 2 ml post-operatively. There were no thromboembolic adverse events. Thirteen patients survived, 11 (73%) were independent, and two (13%) had a moderate to severe disability. These outcomes were significantly better than expected based on the median ICH score (40% mortality) and based on median ICH Grading Scale (18% good outcome). The pre or perioperative administration of rFVIIa resulted in minimal residual or recurrent hematoma volume and may be an important adjunct to surgery in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10 to 15% of all strokes, but results in a disproportionately high morbidity and mortality. Although chronic hypertension accounts for the majority of ICH, other common causes include cerebral amyloid angiopathy, sympathomimetic drugs of abuse, and underlying cerebral vascular anomalies. Validated baseline predictors of clinical outcome after ICH include the Glasgow Coma Scale score, hematoma volume, presence and amount of intraventricular hemorrhage, infratentorial ICH location, and advanced age. Although no treatment of proven benefit currently exists for ICH, several recent large clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility of surgical and medical treatments for ICH. Clinical research into ICH mechanisms of injury has demonstrated that hematoma expansion is common, even in patients without coagulopathy. Basic research has suggested that perihematoma injury is more likely related to toxicity of blood and iron in the brain ("neurohemoinflammation") rather than primary ischemic injury. Current guidelines for ICH treatment emphasize blood pressure management, urgent and rapid correction of coagulopathy, and surgery for cerebellar ICH. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating surgical evacuation of lobar hemorrhage, minimally invasive surgical hematoma evacuation, and aggressive blood pressure lowering.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin and Postoperative Bleeding in Rhytidectomy

Postoperative bleeding and hematoma are unwanted complications, especially for face lifts, where the rate of hematoma is reported to be high. The authors investigated the rate of complications. As expected, the major adverse event was postoperative bleeding, requiring surgical evacuation of hematoma in 5.6 percent of cases. Plastic surgeons in Europe are currently under pressure to use low-molecular-weight heparin in every face lift patient because of the guidelines of the European Consensus Conference for Prophylaxis of Thromboembolism.Over a period of 1.5 years, a total of 126 patients took part in a retrospective, controlled trial on postoperative bleeding, with two comparative groups. Thirty-seven patients had received low-molecular-weight heparin; in 89 patients, no heparin thrombosis prophylaxis was used. The standard for each of the 126 rhytidectomy patients operated on was as follows: one surgeon, use of compression stockings, analgosedation, and mobilization of the patient on the day of operation.The authors observed a 16.2 percent rate of postoperative bleeding in the low-molecular-weight heparin-group, compared with 1.1 percent in the group where no low-molecular-weight heparin was used. This was highly significant, especially when the Fisher's exact test was applied (p < 0.003). In 89 patients, when using compression stockings, analgosedation, and mobilization of the patient on the day of operation, the authors observed had no symptomatic thrombosis or pulmonary embolism if not using low-molecular-weight heparin.The authors conclude that the rate of postoperative bleeding in face lifts under the use of low-molecular-weight heparin is higher than generally expected. As no symptomatic thrombosis or embolism without using low-molecular-weight heparin occurred, it seems that the use of low-molecular-weight heparin in face lifts is not categorically necessary in low-risk patients.

Laryngeal dyspnea in relation to an interaction between acenocoumarol and topical econazole lotion

Background: Bleeding is the most serious complication of oral anticoagulant therapy used for the prevention of thromboembolic complications. Drug-drug interactions are an important concern, as they may increase drug toxicity and, in the case of anticoagulant therapies, increase the risk of hemorrhage. Case summary: An 84-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a bilateral cervical hematoma and symptoms of upper-airway obstruction that had been increasing for 72 hours, with dyspnea and difficulty speaking developing in the previous 24 hours. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a significant laryngeal hematoma, as well as a hematoma on the floor of the mouth and in the tonsil area. Laboratory abnormalities included a prothrombin time < 10%, an international normalized ratio exceeding the laboratory limits, and an activated partial thromboplastin time >120 seconds. The patient had been receiving acenocoumarol 4 mg/d for 10 years for episodes of atrial fibrillation and recurrent deep venous thrombosis. Seventeen days earlier, she had received a prescription for topical econazole lotion 1% to be applied 3 times daily for 1 month to treat a dermatitis affecting 12% of the body surface. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment of respiratory failure, where oxygen was delivered by face mask. The coagulation disorders were treated with prothrombin complex concentrate 30 IU/kg IV and vitamin K 1 10 mg IV, and values normalized within 36 hours. Surgical evacuation of the laryngeal hematoma was not necessary. After 48 hours, improvement in the patient's respiratory symptoms allowed transfer to the ear, nose, and throat unit, where daily endoscopic examination was performed. Aspirin was substituted for acenocoumarol, and the patient returned home after 10 days without sequelae. Based on a Naranjo score of 7, this episode was probably related to an interaction between acenocoumarol and econazole. Conclusion: This report describes a case of a probable interaction between topical econazole lotion 1% and acenocoumarol that resulted in overanticoagulation and a life-threatening laryngeal hematoma in this elderly patient.

Thrombelastography-Guided Factor VIIa Therapy in a Surgical Patient with Severe Hemophilia and Factor VIII Inhibitor

A patient with hemophilia and factor VIII inhibitors required urgent evacuation of a spinal cord hematoma. Two large doses of recombinant factor VIIa (200 microg/kg followed by 300 microg/kg) were required for hemostasis. Traditional and rotational thrombelastography were used to guide dose and timing of rFVIIa therapy. With the limitations of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times as perioperative monitors of rFVIIa efficacy, this description of thrombelastography supports reports of in vitro use, and may be helpful when large perioperative doses of rFVIIa are required.

Neurogenesis after Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Adult Human Brain

Neurogenesis occurs in discrete regions of normal brains of adult mammals including humans, and is induced in response to brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. Whether intracerebral hemorrhage can also induce neurogenesis in human brain is unknown. Specimens were obtained from patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage undergoing surgical evacuation of an intracerebral hematoma, and evaluated by two-photon laser scanning confocal microscopy. We found that neural stem/progenitor cell-specific protein markers were expressed in cells located in the perihematomal regions of the basal ganglia and parietal lobe of the adult human brain after primary intracerebral hemorrhage (n=5). Cells in this region also expressed cell proliferation markers, which colocalized to the same cells that expressed neural stem/progenitor cell-specific proteins. Our data suggest that intracerebral hemorrhage induces neurogenesis in the adult human brain.

Traumatic extracranial pseudoaneurysm on the peripheral ophthalmic artery presenting as delayed intraparenchymal hematoma: case report

Background Extracranial pseudoaneurysm is barely noticed after head injury, and therefore, recognizing such sequels is amenable when there is severe initial injury, unexplained intracranial bleeding, or neurologic sequelae. We report such an unexpected case of intraorbital pseudoaneurysm presenting as delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Case Description A 71-year-old man with traumatic brain injury sustained delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage after unremarkable surgical evacuation. Suspicious intraorbital mass was shown adjacent to the fracture line of medial orbital wall. Catheter angiogram revealed peripheral, extracranial ophthalmic artery pseudoaneurysm, and endovascular occlusion was attempted. The patient made gradual recovery with radiographic evidence of disappeared pseudosac and resolved intracranial hematoma. Conclusion Traumatic aneurysm of peripheral ophthalmic artery should be strongly suspected when there is skull fracture at the orbital wall or persistent or delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage despite proper surgical hematoma evacuation, and in such case, swift endovascular occlusion can be done safely.

Retinal hemorrhages in patients with epidural hematomas

To present a series of infants found to have sparse retinal hemorrhages associated with isolated epidural hematomas. None of these infants had other intracranial or subdural hemorrhages present. Children less than 3 years of age admitted to an urban children's hospital between January 1998 and December 2002 with radiographic evidence of an isolated epidural hematoma at the time of presentation were eligible for this study. During the time period of the study, 15 children were admitted with traumatic epidural hematomas. Nine patients had an ophthalmologic examination, of which five had evidence of sparse retinal hemorrhages. All five patients with retinal hemorrhages were less than 8 months of age and all required surgical evacuation of the epidural hematomas. Of the five patients with retinal hemorrhages, four were unilateral, one was bilateral, and in all cases, the retinal hemorrhages were superficial, few in number, and confined to the posterior pole. There were no deep retinal or subretinal hemorrhages present. The institutional child protection team evaluated all five patients with retinal hemorrhages and each case was felt to be consistent with the history provided and no history of shaking was elicited. We found sparse retinal hemorrhages in five of nine patients who presented to our hospital with isolated epidural hematomas and who had had an ophthalmologic examination. All nine patients were evaluated by the institutional child protection team, who did not feel that there was sufficient evidence to be suspicious of nonaccidental trauma.

Acute spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma in a patient with bilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia

Objective Acute spinal subdural hematoma is an infrequent and devastating condition that occurs mostly in patients with coagulopathy or receiving anticoagulants. It may also develop after trauma, spinal surgery or iatrogenically (lumbar puncture and/or spinal anaesthesia). Spinal vascular malformations or spinal tumours can also be the origins of subdural hematomas. However, acute spinal subdural hematomas, which are not associated with these risk factors, are seen even more infrequently. In this report, we have described a case of spontaneous acute spinal subdural hematoma that occurred in a patient with bilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia and discussed the possible pathomechanisms. Methods A 50-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department for the acute onset of interscapular pain, slight weakness in both legs and urinary retention. Neurological examination revealed paraparesis (3/5 in left, 4/5 in right) and hypoesthesia below T5 dermatome. He had long-standing bilateral inguinal hernia and constipation for the last 5 days. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine displayed an extramedullary acute hematoma at the T4–8 levels but it was impossible to identify whether the hematoma was extradural or intradural exactly. The patient underwent an urgent operation via T4–6 laminectomy. After opening the dura, an extensive, partially organized hematoma was completely removed by aspiration. Muscle strength was improved immediately; urinary retension was recovered on postoperative day 7. Constipation was relieved on postoperative day 4. Conclusion Acute spinal subdural hematoma is an emergency condition in case of neurological compromise. Urgent surgical evacuation of hematoma results in good outcome. In the case of unidentified etiologies, the conditions that could play a role in increased intraabdominal and/or intrathoracic pressure should be considered always.

Open Surgical Evacuation of Spontaneous Putaminal Hematomas: Prognostic Factors and Comparison of Outcomes between Transsylvian and Transcortical Approaches

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the surgical outcome and to compare the surgical results between transsylvian and transcortical approaches in patients with putaminal hematomas. Retrospective review of charts and CT scan images was conducted in 45 patients (20 transsylvian and 25 transcortical approaches) who underwent open surgical evacuation of putaminal hematomas. Mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score and hematoma volume were 7.5+/-3.2 and 78.1+/-29.3 cc, respectively. The factors affecting the functional mortality were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. In addition, surgical results between transsylvian and transcortical approaches were compared. None of the patients had a good recovery after the surgery. Overall functional survival rate and mortality were 37.7% and 31%, respectively. The only risk factor for functional mortality was GCS motor score after controlling age, history of hypertension, side of hematoma, hematoma amount, midline shift, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage and surgical approach (p=0.005). Even though a transcortical approach was shorter in operative time (4.4 versus 5.1 hour) and showed a higher mortality rate (40% versus 20%) and lower functional survival (45% versus 35%) compared to the transsylvian approach, the differences were not statistically significant between the two groups. In patients who have large amounts of hematoma and require open surgical evacuation, the only significant risk factor for functional survival is the preoperative GCS score. Cortical incision methods such as transsylvian and transcortical approaches have no influence on the surgical outcome. To decompress the swollen brain rapidly, transcortical approach seems to be more suitable than transsylvian approach.

RECURRENT PINEAL APOPLEXY IN A CHILD

Pineal apoplexy denotes sudden hemorrhage occurring into the pineal gland or a cyst or a mass in pineal region. In clinical neuroscience, pituitary apoplexy is a well established entity. Hemorrhage into a pineal gland is, however, extremely uncommon. The first case of pineal apoplexy was reported in 1976 following use of anticoagulation medications.1 Since then, 12 cases have been described in the literature (table).2 Repeated bleeding into the pineal gland has been considered a possible risk, but no such case has been reported previously.3 View this table: Table Reported cases of pineal apoplexy Surgical intervention is usually recommended for pineal apoplexy; however, conservative management has also been tried.2 Acute hydrocephalus that may result in pineal apoplexy can be taken care of by a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Hemorrhagic mass into the pineal gland can then be managed expectantly and has been suggested.2 However, recurrence of benign apoplexy necessitates surgical evacuation of hematoma to prevent compression of brain stem. In this article, the authors present a case of recurrent pineal apoplexy into a pineal cyst …

EVOLUTION OF BRAIN TISSUE INJURY AFTER EVACUATION OF ACUTE TRAUMATIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMAS

Acute traumatic subdural hematoma complicated by brain parenchymal injury is associated with a 60 to 90% mortality rate. Early surgical evacuation of the mass lesion is essential for a favorable outcome, but the severity of the underlying brain injury determines the outcome, even when surgery has been prompt. The purpose of this study was to analyze tissue biochemical patterns in the brain underlying an evacuated acute subdural hematoma to identify a characteristic pattern of changes that might indicate evolving brain injury. Prospectively collected data from 33 patients after surgical evacuation of acute subdural hematoma were analyzed. Both a brain tissue oxygen tension probe and an intracerebral microdialysis probe were placed in brain tissue exposed at surgery. On the basis of the postoperative clinical course, the patients were divided into three groups: patients with early intractable intracranial hypertension, patients with evolution of delayed traumatic injury (DTI), and patients with an uncomplicated course (the no-DTI group). The overall mortality rate was 46%, with 100% mortality in the intracranial hypertension group (five patients). Mortality in the DTI group was 53% compared with only 9% in the no-DTI group (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the initial computed tomographic scan characteristics, such as thickness of the subdural hematoma or amount of midline shift, among the three groups. Physiological variables, as well as the microdialysate measures of brain biochemistry, were markedly different in the intracranial hypertension group compared with the other groups. Differences between the other two groups were more subtle but were significant. Significantly lower values of brain tissue oxygen tension (14 +/- 8 mm Hg versus 27 +/- 14 mm Hg) and higher dialysate values of lactate and pyruvate were documented in patients who developed a delayed injury compared with patients with uncomplicated courses (4.1 +/- 2.3 mmol/L versus 1.7 +/- 0.7 mmol/L for lactate, and 104 +/- 47 micromol/L versus 73 +/- 54 micromol/L for pyruvate at 24 h after injury). Evolution of DTI in the area of brain underlying an evacuated subdural hematoma is associated with a significant increase in mortality. Postoperatively decreasing brain tissue oxygen tension and increasing dialysate concentrations of lactate and pyruvate in this area may warn of evolving brain injury and evoke further diagnostic and therapeutic activity.

Uncommon presentation of ruptured intracranial aneurysm during surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: case report

Background There are many factors that predispose an aneurysm to rupture, but there are few real, demonstrable causes that lead to rupture of the aneurysmal sac with a precise cause-effect mechanism. Case Description We report a 74-year-old male patient with chronic subdural hematoma after head trauma, who underwent surgery for evacuation of the hematoma. During surgery, there was sudden copious loss of blood from the drainage tubes that were positioned subdurally. Immediate cerebral computed tomography scan and angiography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the level of the basal cisterns from a ruptured basilar apex aneurysm. We discuss the cause-effect relationship between the surgery with its positioning of subdural drains and the rupture of a previously unrecognized cerebral aneurysm. Conclusions The rupture of an unknown, previous “unruptured” aneurysm after craniotomy with subdural positioning of drainage, must be considered a possible complication.

Simvastatin and atorvastatin improve behavioral outcome, reduce hippocampal degeneration, and improve cerebral blood flow after experimental traumatic brain injury

The treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains limited, and aside from surgical hematoma evacuation, clinical management is largely supportive and directed toward management of cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension. Secondary neuronal injury caused by ischemia and the development of cerebral edema may occur in the subacute phase, with intracranial pressures often peaking in the first several days following injury. Because inflammation contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and endothelial dysfunction underlies the development of cerebral edema, therapeutic strategies that target the post-traumatic inflammatory cascade and reduce endothelial dysfunction hold enormous potential to improve clinical outcomes after TBI. Statins inhibit inflammation by suppressing inflammatory cytokine release, and by interfering with multiple steps of leukocyte recruitment and migration into the CNS. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment with atorvastatin and simvastatin markedly reduced functional neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury in mice. These effects were accompanied by histological reduction in degenerating hippocampal neurons and suppression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in brain parenchyma. Furthermore, statin treatment improved cerebral hemodynamics following head injury. Thus, the administration of statins may represent a viable therapeutic strategy in the acute treatment of closed head injury.

Changes in Cerebral Oxygenation, Intracranial Pressure, and Biochemistry after Surgical Evacuation of Primary Intracerebral Hematoma

Objective: To study the biochemical changes and cerebral oxygenation in the perihemorrhagic region in patients with primary spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Second, to study the effect of surgical evacuation of primary ICH on regional cerebral oxygenation, hemodynamics, and biochemistry.

Contribution of surgical evacuation of a large subgaleal hematoma to the resolution of severe conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in a neonate

Subgaleal hematomas (SGHs) in neonates may result from trauma to the scalp sustained during delivery. In the majority of cases, these lesions will resolve on their own without serious or long-term consequences. The authors report on a case of SGH resulting in hypotension, anemia, coagulopathy, and eventually direct hyperbilirubinemia in a neonate. After several weeks of medical management failed to resolve the hyperbilirubinemia, surgical evacuation of the clot was undertaken and yielded favorable results. The direct bilirubinemia in this case was believed to be the result of an overload of iron to the hepatocytes. It is the authors' contention that the evacuation of the hematoma resulted in a reduction in the amount of iron being presented to the liver for metabolism and significantly contributed to this patient's recovery.

Hématome extradural de la fosse postérieure : à propos de 4 observations pédiatriques

Extradural hematoma of the posterior fossa is an uncommon complication of pediatric head injuries. Its prognosis has radically improved due to computed tomography. The authors report four cases of traumatic extradural hematoma of the posterior fossa concerning 18-months to 16-years old girls. The main clinical symptoms were those suggesting intracranial hypertension. Computed tomography, performed in all cases, leaded to the diagnosis. In three cases, there was occipital fracture, and the last case was, associated supratentorial lesions. Surgical evacuation of hematoma was performed in all cases, within less than six days. Good outcome was recorded among all children.