Burr-hole Irrigation with Closed-system Drainage for the Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Meta-analysis

Comparative clinical outcomes of irrigation techniques in burr-hole craniostomy for chronic subdural hemorrhage: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Chronic Subdural Hemorrhage(cSDH) is often treated with surgical blood drainage, but concerns about recurrence and outcomes persist. Surgical techniques, including irrigation, vary. This study compares the outcomes of irrigation in cSDH surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 2020 to September 2022, 92 cSDH patients underwent surgery. Two different irrigation methods were used: extensive irrigation (IG) and non-irrigation (NIG). Method of irrigation was selected by each surgeon's preference. Parameters measured included volume of hematoma changes, midline shifting, complications, and basic demographics. Recurrence was defined as symptomatic or hematoma expansion more than double the volume before surgery. Factors predicting recurrence and irrigation method impact were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were excluded because of bilateral or related to other disease. We analyzed 81 patients (44 NIG, 37 IG). Recurrence occurred in 6 IG cases (16.2%) and 1 NIG case (2.3%). Irrigation method significantly affected recurrence (P = 0.043). Age, gender, medication, medical history, and preoperative measurements had no major impact on recurrence. NIG had unexpected cases of intracerebral hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Extensive irrigation may increase recurrence in cSDH drainage. Non-irrigation drainage had fewer recurrences, but unexpected complications arose. Careful drainage in non-irrigated cases is crucial.

Underwater versus Closed Drainage System for Surgical Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVES

Chronic subdural hematoma (CDH) is a prevalent condition in neurosurgery. Standard care includes surgical evacuation with drainage of residual subdural cavity. We hypothesized that effective and timely drainage of subdural space may improve clinical and radiological outcomes. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of standard closed drainage and underwater drainage.

METHODS

Medical data of 300 surgically treated chronic subdural hematoma CDH patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into two 2 groups: Group I with underwater drainage, and Group II with closed drainage. Groups were compared in terms of gender, age, complication rates, recurrence rates, seizure rates, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Underwater drainage was found superior to closed system by all clinical and radiographic parameters. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in Group I (2%) compared to with Group II (10%). Subdural empyema was observed in 10 patients in Group II and none in Group I. The seizure rate was higher in Group II (18%) compared to with Group I (5%). Postoperative pneumocephalus rates was were 20% in Group I and 54% in Group II. The length of hospital stay was 6±2.6 days in Group I and 8.9±6.1 days in Group II. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 0.6±1.12 days in Group I and 2.7±5 days in Group II. A minority (5%) of the patients in Group II required reoperation due to recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of underwater system significantly the reduces the rates of pneumocephalus, seizures, infection, and recurrence. Additional benefits are shorter intensive care unit ICU and total hospital stays.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Analysis of 35 Consecutive Patients

INTRODUCTION

There is sufficient scientific literature that demonstrates favorable outcomes using the minimally invasive technique of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). The authors evaluate the outcomes of 35 consecutive patients treated with MMAE, both with and without adjuvant surgical drainage (ASD), in an attempt to identify variables that may affect the outcome of patients treated with MMAE for cSDH.

METHODS

A multivariate retrospective analysis was performed on patients who received MMAE for cSDH, including age, size of cSDH, ASD, presence of unilateral or bilateral collections, and use of anticoagulants.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent MMAE with planned ASD, while 15 patients had MMAE only; these groups had an average cSDH size reduction (measured at its greatest width) of 74% and 69% of cSDH, respectively. Of the 15 patients who were initially treated only with MMAE, three (20%) required a rescue craniotomy. Twenty patients (57%) who had initially presented while receiving oral anticoagulants had an average of 71% size reduction with ASD compared to 74% reduction in those without ASD. Patients not using anticoagulants had an 84% and 78% average reduction in size, respectively. Twelve patients presented with bilateral cSDH; patients who received ASD had an average size reduction of 58%; those without ASD had 63%. Patients with unilateral cSDH had 85% and 83% reduction in size, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Middle meningeal artery embolization, with or without ASD, can be a useful alternative or adjunct to standard surgical treatment for cSDH. Our study found that only three of 35 patients (9%) treated with this method required any further surgical intervention. No patient who received ASD had a recurrence of their cSDH. Further investigation, including prospective randomized studies, would be useful to better identify which patients can benefit and variables that impact the outcome of patients undergoing MMAE.

Seizure after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation: associated factors and effect on clinical outcome

Objective

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgery, which usually occurs in the elderly. Seizure is one of the postoperative complications in CSDH patients and can affect patient outcomes. There is currently no consensus on whether antiepileptic drugs should be prescribed prophylactically. The aim of this study was to evaluate independent risk factors for postoperative seizures and unfavorable outcomes in CSDH patients.

Methods

We reviewed 1,244 CSDH patients who had undergone burr-hole craniotomy in this study. Patient clinical data, CT scan results, recurrence and outcome data were collected. We divided the patients into two groups based on whether they had a postoperative seizure. Percentages and χ² tests were applied for categorical variables. Standard deviations and two-sided unpaired t-tests were applied for continuous variables. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent factors of postoperative seizures and unfavorable outcomes.

Results

The incidence of seizures after CSDH surgery was 4.2% in this study. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between seizure and non-seizure patients (p = 0.948), and the outcome of seizure patients was significantly poor (p < 0.001). There are more postoperative complications in seizure patients (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for postoperative seizures included drinking history (p = 0.031), cardiac disease (p = 0.037), brain infarction (p = 0.001) and trabecular hematoma (p < 0.001). The use of urokinase is a protective factor for postoperative seizures (p = 0.028). Hypertension is an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcome in seizure patients (p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Seizures after CSDH surgery were associated with postoperative complications, higher mortality and poorer clinical outcomes at follow-up. We believe that alcohol consumption, cardiac disease, brain infarction and trabecular hematoma are independent risk factors for seizures. The use of urokinase is a protective factor against seizures. Patients with postoperative seizures need more stringent management of their blood pressure. A prospective randomized study is necessary to determine which subgroups of CSDH patients would benefit from antiepileptic drugs prophylaxis.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A New-Old Treatment

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is defined as a subdural collection of blood on CT imaging that tends to persist and gradually increase in volume over time, with components that are hypodense or isodense compared to the brain. There are no proven guidelines for the management of patients with cSDH. Surgical approaches included burr hole, twist drill hole, and craniotomy-based evacuations. Outcomes after surgical removal is generally favorable, but cSDH tends to recur after the initial evacuation.Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been gaining increasing popularity among the treatments of cSDH. This is largely due to a growing population of patients with cSDH who are refractory to other treatments or in patients who present with multiple comorbidities or who are taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. The goal of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is to devascularize subdural membranes associated with SDH so that the balance between continued leakage and reabsorption is shifted toward reabsorption.We discuss our clinical and technical approach to cSDH treated with perioperative embolization of the MMA.

Controversies in the Surgical Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Scoping Review

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical entities, especially in the elderly population. Diagnosis is usually established via a head computed tomography, while an increasing number of studies are investigating biomarkers to predict the natural history of cSDH, including progression and recurrence. Surgical evacuation remains the mainstay of treatment in the overwhelming majority of cases. Nevertheless, many controversies are associated with the nuances of surgical treatment. We performed a systematic review of the literature between 2010 and 2022, aiming to identify and address the issues in cSDH surgical management where consensus is lacking. The results show ambiguous data in regard to indication, the timing and type of surgery, the duration of drainage, concomitant membranectomy and the need for embolization of the middle meningeal artery. Other aspects of surgical treatment-such as the use of drainage and its location and number of burr holes-seem to have been adequately clarified: the drainage of hematoma is strongly recommended and the outcome is considered as independent of drainage location or the number of burr holes.

A Review of Remote Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation

BACKGROUND

 Remote intracerebral hemorrhage (RICH) is a severe complication following chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) drainage, and only case reports and small case series have been reported to date. The authors present an emblematic patient affected by RICH following cSDH drainage. A systematic review of the literature on diagnosis and management of patients affected by RICH following cSDH evacuation has also been performed.

METHODS

 A literature search according to the PRISMA statement was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases with the following Mesh terms: [(remote) AND (intracerebral hemorrhage or cerebral hematoma or cerebral infarction or cerebellar hemorrhage or cerebellar hematoma or cerebellar infarction) AND (chronic subdural hematoma)].

RESULTS

 The literature search yielded 35 results, and 25 articles met our inclusion criteria: 22 articles were case reports and 3 were case series including three to six patients. Overall, 37 patients were included in the study. Age was reported in all 37 patients, 26 males (70.3%) and 11 females (29.7%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 64.6 years (range: 0.25-86 years). Only in 5 cases (13.5%) did the ICH occur contralaterally to the previously drained cSDH. The rapidity of drainage can lead to several types of intracranial hemorrhages, caused by a too rapid change in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or tears of bridging veins. The average time interval between cSDH drainage and neurologic deterioration was 71.05 hours (range: 0-192 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

 RICH following cSDH represents a rare occurrence and a serious complication, associated with elevated morbidity. Careful monitoring of drain speed after cSDH evacuation surgery is recommended, and minimally invasive techniques such as twist drill craniostomy are suggested, especially for massive cSDHs.

Perioperative prophylactic middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma: a series of 44 cases

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common and challenging pathology to treat due to both the historically high recurrence rate following surgical evacuation and the medical comorbidities inherent in the aging patient population that it primarily affects. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has shown promise in the treatment of cSDHs, most convincingly to avoid surgical evacuation in relatively asymptomatic patients. Symptomatic patients requiring surgical evacuation may also benefit from perioperative MMA embolization to prevent cSDH recurrence. The goal of this study was to determine the utility of perioperative MMA embolization for symptomatic cSDH requiring surgical evacuation and to assess if there is a decrease in the cSDH recurrence rate compared to historical recurrence rates following surgical evacuation alone.

METHODS

Symptomatic cSDHs were evacuated using a subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) with 5-mm twist-drill craniostomy in an intensive care unit or by performing a craniotomy in the operating room, using either a small (silver dollar, < 4 cm) or large (≥ 4 cm) craniotomy. MMA embolization was performed perioperatively using angiography, selective catheterization of the MMA, and infusion of polyvinyl particles. Outcomes were assessed clinically and radiographically with interval head CT imaging.

RESULTS

There were 44 symptomatic cSDHs in 41 patients, with 3 patients presenting with bilateral symptomatic cSDH. All cSDHs were evacuated using an SEPS (n = 18), a silver-dollar craniotomy (n = 16), or a large craniotomy (n = 10). Prophylactic MMA embolization was performed successfully in all cSDHs soon after surgical evacuation. There were no deaths and no procedural complications. There was an overall reduction of greater than 50% or resolution of cSDH in 40/44 (90.9%) cases, regardless of the evacuation procedure used. Of the 44 prophylactic cases, there were 2 (4.5%) cases of cSDH recurrence that required repeat surgical evacuation at the 1-year follow-up. These 2 cSDHs were initially evacuated using an SEPS and subsequently required a craniotomy, thereby representing an overall 4.5% recurrence rate of treated cSDH requiring repeat evacuation. Most notably, of the 26 patients who underwent surgical evacuation with a craniotomy followed by MMA embolization, none had cSDH recurrence requiring repeat intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative prophylactic MMA embolization in the setting of surgical evacuation, via either craniotomy or SEPS, may help to lower the recurrence rate of cSDH.

Hematoma subdural crónico: Una patología común de manejo complejo

Antecedentes:

El hematoma subdural crónico (HSDC) es una patología ampliamente estudiada, muy frecuente, sobre todo en adultos mayores; su cuadro clínico tiene una apariencia benigna y suele ir acompañado de múltiples comorbilidades asociadas a la edad, lo que resulta en un aumento de las complicaciones e incluso la muerte. Con el incremento de la expectativa de vida a nivel mundial, el uso de medicamentos antitrombóticos es cada vez más frecuente. El papel de estos fármacos en la evolución de la enfermedad como en la recurrencia, sigue siendo motivo de discusión.

Métodos:

Los autores revisaron la fisiopatología y características clínicas del HSDC. El presente artículo discute acerca de las terapéuticas actuales y las nuevas opciones de tratamiento que podrían mejorar los resultados. Este manuscrito es susceptible de cambios en el tiempo, con el desarrollo científico y tecnológico.

Resultados:

El HSDC puede ser abordado por vía quirúrgica y farmacológica; no obstante, un manejo individualizado requiere la consideracion cuidadosa de diversos factores. A pesar de los avances en el campo de la neurocirugía, la clásica trepanación craneal sigue siendo el Gold estándar en el HSDC y sobre todo en pacientes con síntomas graves. Se debe resaltar que aún hay aspectos de este procedimiento (como la localización del dren, número de drenajes, el efecto de la irrigación, la temperatura de la solución con que se irriga, etc.) que siguen siendo materia de estudio.

Conclusiones:

Entender el mecanismo de la enfermedad ha permitido explicar su historia natural y a su vez proponer nuevas alternativas de tratamiento. El manejo médico (atorvastatina, corticoides) ha generado gran interés por sus alentadores resultados preliminares. Recientemente, se ha reportado la terapia endovascular como una alternativa segura y existe gran expectativa por confirmar su efecto en estudios más grandes.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been proposed as a minimally invasive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare outcomes after MMA embolization versus conventional management for cSDH. We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Oxford Journal, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases from April 1987 to October 2020 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting outcomes after MMA embolization for ≥3 patients with cSDH were included. A meta-analysis comparing MMA embolization with conventional management was performed. The analysis comprised 20 studies with 1416 patients, including 718 and 698 patients in the MMA embolization and conventional management cohorts, respectively. The pooled recurrence, surgical rescue, and in-hospital complication rates in the MMA embolization cohort were 4.8% (95% CI 3.2% to 6.5%), 4.4% (2.8% to 5.9%), and 1.7% (0.8% to 2.6%), respectively. The pooled recurrence, surgical rescue, and in-hospital complication rates in the conventional management cohort were 21.5% (0.6% to 42.4%), 16.4% (5.9% to 27.0%), and 4.9% (2.8% to 7.1%), respectively. Compared with conservative management, MMA embolization was associated with lower rates of cSDH recurrence (OR=0.15 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.75), p=0.02) and surgical rescue (OR=0.21 (0.07 to 0.58), p=0.003). In-hospital complication rates were comparable between the two cohorts (OR=0.78 (0.34 to 1.76), p=0.55). MMA embolization is a promising minimally invasive therapy that may reduce the need for surgical intervention in appropriately selected patients with cSDH. Additional prospective studies are warranted to determine the long-term durability of MMA embolization, refine eligibility criteria, and establish this endovascular approach as a viable definitive treatment for cSDH.

Intraoperative hematoma volume can predict chronic subdural hematoma recurrence

Background:

We routinely measured the exact chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) volume during single burr hole surgery. To date, several risk factors have been reported for CSDH recurrence, including sex, hematoma volume and degree of midline shift calculated from computed tomography, use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, and alcohol consumption habits. The aim of this study was to clarify whether hematoma volume, in conjunction with other factors, can predict recurrence.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 194 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent single burr hole surgery. The risk factors for recurrence were analyzed based on patients’ sex, age, bilaterality, existence of apparent trauma history, exact intraoperative hematoma volume, and various clinical factors, including preoperative anticoagulant/antiplatelet intake.

Results:

Recurrence occurred in 22 patients (11.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that intraoperative hematoma volume was an independent risk factor for CSDH recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.02, P < 0.001), in addition to sex (male) (OR 9.25; 95% CI, 1.00–84.8; P = 0.049) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 3.97, 95% CI, 1.34–11.7, P = 0.013). Based on receiver operating characteristics analysis, the cutoff value of the hematoma volume predicting CSDH recurrence was 150 ml (sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% and 72.1%, respectively; area under the curve: 0.7664, 95% CI: 0.654–0.879, P < 0.001). Of these, a hematoma volume ≥150 mL was the strongest independent risk factor for recurrence according to multiple regression (OR: 8.98, 95% CI: 2.73–29.6, P < 0.001) and Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.18–7.87, log-rank P = 0.0046, P = 0.021). Follow-up periods after surgery were significantly longer for cases with recurrence than for non-recurrence cases (24.8 ± 11.5 vs. 15.9 ± 9.7 days), and the recurrence prediction cutoff value was 17 days, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.1% and 68.2%, respectively (AUC: 0.7707, 95% CI: 0.6695–0.8720, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Intraoperative hematoma volume could be a predictive value for CSDH recurrence.

Use of siphon irrigation during burr-hole craniostomy to evacuate chronic subdural hematoma: A retrospective cohort comparison study

Burr-hole craniostomy (BHC) is a widely accepted treatment for chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). This study adopted siphon irrigation to evacuate CSDHs and investigated its efficacy and safety as compared with the traditional irrigation used in BHC.A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a center between January 2017 and December 2018. The data of 171 patients who underwent burr-hole craniostomy for CSDH were collected and analyzed. A total of 68 patients underwent siphon irrigation (siphon group) and 103 patients were treated by a traditional method (control group). A follow-up was conducted 6 months after the surgery.No significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics and preoperative computed tomography (CT) features of the 2 groups (P > .05). The postoperative CT features of the siphon group, which included the volume of hematoma evacuation (P = .034), hematoma evacuation rate (P < .001), recovery rate of the midline shift (P = .017), and occurrence of pneumocephalus (P = .037) were significantly different and better than those of the control group. The length of hospital stay after surgery of the siphon group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P = .015). The Markwalder score of the siphon group was significantly superior to that of the control group on postoperative day 1 (P = .006). Although the recurrence rate in the siphon group (2/68, 2.5%) was lower than that in the control group (11/103, 8.9%), no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P = .069). Moreover, no significant differences were observed in terms of complications and mortality rate between the 2 groups.There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the groups that underwent siphon irrigation and traditional irrigation. However, in comparison, siphon irrigation can better improve postoperative CT features, promote early recovery of neurological dysfunction after surgery, and shorten the length of hospital stay. This indicates that siphon irrigation may be a better therapeutic option in BHC for CSDH.

Burr hole drainage without irrigation for chronic subdural hematoma

Background:

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions, with different strategies for treatment. Most recent trials favor the use of drainage to reduce the recurrence rate. However, few reports have discussed the efficacy of burr hole drainage without irrigation for treating CSDH. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of burr hole drainage without irrigation in a series of 385 symptomatic CSDH lesions.

Methods:

This retrospective study included a series of 385 symptomatic CSDH lesions in 309 patients, who underwent burr hole drainage without irrigation, between September 2009 and August 2017 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Yao Tokushukai General Hospital, Japan. The risk of recurrence was evaluated based on the patients’ age, sex, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, preoperative anticoagulants, hematoma drainage rate, and bilaterality.

Results:

Of the 385 lesions, 41 cases (16 with inadequate follow-up periods and 25 with contraindications for MRI) were excluded from the analysis. The overall recurrence rate in the index study was 4.9% (17/344 lesions). The effects of the preoperative hematoma volume and nonhyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging on the recurrence rate were significant.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that burr hole drainage without irrigation is a good surgical modality in patients with CSDH, and preoperative MRI findings can evaluate the risk of recurrence.

Subdural empyema complicated after trepanation and drainage of chronic subdural hematoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diseases. However, complicated subdural empyema rarely occurs after trepanation and drainage of chronic subdural hematoma.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A male patient (77 years old) was admitted to the hospital on the 2nd day of fever after an undergoing a "trepanation and drainage of chronic subdural hematoma" operation at a local hospital. After admission, the patient was treated with an emergency operation in which a subdural abscess was diagnosed and then administered antibiotics after the operation.

DIAGNOSIS

According to the clinical manifestations, intraoperative findings of imaging examination and the results of pus culture, the diagnosis was subdural empyema.

INTERVENTION

We surgically removed the subdural empyema. Postoperative antibiotics were administered according to the results of bacterial culture.

OUTCOMES

At 3 months after the operation, the patient returned to the hospital for reexamination and was found to have achieved a good recovery and good self-care.

LESSONS

Subdural empyema after trepanation and drainage of chronic subdural hematoma is a very rare and severe disease. Early diagnosis and operative intervention as well as the intravenous administration of antibiotics can improve the prognosis of patients and enhance their quality of life.

Postoperative pneumocephalus increases the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma

OBJECTIVES

Pneumocephalus is a common operative complication of chronic subdural hematoma. This study is to analyze the relationship between postoperative pneumocephalus and the recurrence and surgical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective case-cohort study, including a pneumocephalus group (n = 46) and a control group (n = 181). Their recurrence rates, CT attenuation values, hospital stay, healing time and the neurological status were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The pneumocephalus group had a recurrence rate of 32.6%, significantly higher than the control (17.7%). In addition, the pneumocephalus group had a higher rate of postoperative epilepsy (21.7% vs 3.3%), longer hospital stay (11.5 ± 2.8 vs 7.8 ± 1.2 days), longer healing time (10.8 ± 5.4 vs 6.5 ± 2.3 months), and worse neurological scores than the control.

CONCLUSION

Pneumocephalus increases the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma, and it not only prolongs the hospital stay and healing time, but also leads to deterioration of the neurological status.

Recurrence Rate of Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Evacuating It by Two Large Burr Holes, Irrigation, and Subgaleal Low-Pressure Suction Drainage

Background:

There are no current standard operative steps for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The aim of this study was to detect the recurrence rate after drainage of a unilateral diffuse CSDH by combining certain operative steps.

Materials and Methods:

This is a descriptive, retrospective cohort study that included 47 consecutive adult patients who underwent evacuation of a unilateral diffuse CSDH by two large burr holes (≥2 cm in diameter) and irrigation of the subdural space by warm saline, followed by placement of a subgaleal Redivac drain under low-pressure suction in our university hospital from August 2012 to August 2016. There were 29 men and 18 women with a mean age of 69.1 years.

Results:

All the operations were uneventful. All the patients had adequate drainage of their subdural hematomas, and all patients were discharged alert and oriented. No incidence of recurrence within 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that surgical management of a unilateral diffuse CSDH in adult patients by two large burr holes, irrigation, and a subgaleal Redivac low-pressure suction drainage was effective and associated with no recurrence.

How to Treat Chronic Subdural Hematoma? Past and Now

Treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is relatively straightforward, however, there is still some debate regarding the best strategy for treatment. The most practical recommendations of up to date were identified by a review of literature. The author reviewed the literature on CSDH management from the past to now to identify the best methods. Till 1970s, craniotomy was the most commonly used method. Burr hole (BH) became the most preferred method from 1980s. In 1977, twist drill (TD) craniostomy was introduced. Closed system drainage after a BH or a TD became the most frequently used surgical method. Although nonsurgical treatment is often successful, trephination has more advantages, such as rapid resolution of the symptoms and short period of hospitalization. Nonsurgical treatment is possible in asymptomatic patients with a small CSDH. For the symptomatic patients with CSDH, trephination is the treatment of choice, either by BH or TD. In gray zone between surgery and medical treatment, shared decision making can be an ideal approach. For the recurrent CSDHs, repeated trephination is still effective for patients with a low risk of recurrence. If the risk of recurrence is high, additional management would be helpful. For the refractory CSDHs, it is necessary to obliterate the subdural space.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Series of 60 Cases

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) is a particularly challenging pathology due to high recurrence rates (2%-37%) and complex medical comorbidities that tend to afflict the patient population. Recently, there have been several case series published describing the use of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization as an alternative to surgery for treatment of new or recurrent chronic SDH.

OBJECTIVE

To describe our first 60 cases of MMA embolization for chronic SDH.

METHODS

MMA embolization was performed using angiography, selective microcatheterization of the MMA, and infusion of polyvinyl alcohol particles. Outcomes were assessed clinically and with interval imaging studies at 1 d, 2 wk, and 6 wk postprocedure, and additional intervals as indicated.

RESULTS

MMA embolization was performed successfully on 60 total SDHs in 49 patients. This includes upfront treatment for new (not previously treated) SDH in 42, for recurrence in 8, and prophylaxis (soon after surgical evacuation) in 10. There were 3 mortalities (unrelated to the procedure), and no procedural complications. Of the 50 nonprophylactic cases, there were 4 (8.9%) cases of recurrence requiring surgical evacuation, and 31 (68.9%) that had resolution or reduction in size >50% of SDH at longest follow-up. Overall, 41 (91.1%) were stable or decreased in size and able to avoid surgery.

CONCLUSION

MMA embolization may represent a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery for new or recurrent chronic SDH, or as prophylaxis to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. Given our encouraging results with a 91% long-term success rate, a large scale clinical trial is warranted.

Subdural Tension on the Brain in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma Is Related to Hemiparesis but Not to Headache or Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Hemiparesis is a major symptom of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Its severity does not always correlate with hematoma size. The authors analyzed hematoma thickness, pressure, and tension to clarify the mechanism of hemiparesis in CSDH patients.

METHODS

A burr-hole surgery was performed on 124 CSDHs in 102 patients. Hematoma thickness and midline shift were measured by computed tomography, and hematoma pressure was measured in surgery. According to Laplace law, tension was calculated as follows: (half the hematoma thickness × hematoma pressure)/2. Student t test and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were applied in statistical analysis of findings.

RESULTS

Motor weakness was identified in 76.5% of our cases. Tension was strongly related to hemiparesis (r = -0.747, P < 0.01), whereas hematoma thickness (r = -0.458, P < 0.01) and pressure (r = -0.596, P < 0.01) were moderately correlated. Mean age of 14 patients (13.7%) with headache was much younger than those without headache (P < 0.01). Stronger midline shift (P < 0.01) and greater ratio of midline shift to hematoma thickness (P < 0.01) were statistically correlated with headache. Recurrence was recognized in 8 patients (7.8%), and stronger midline shift (P < 0.05) and greater ratio of midline shift to hematoma thickness (P < 0.05) were statistically associated with recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Tension is the most influencing factor to hemiparesis in CSDH patients. This study also elucidates the mechanism for quick recovery from hemiparesis after surgery in that tension on the motor cortex is decreased immediately by drainage.

A closed system irrigation & drainage technique for surgical evacuation of chronic subdural haematomas

Background: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH), is a common neurosurgical disorder that is associated with morbidity and mortality affecting the ageing population. The aim is to present the treatment experience of CSDH patients treated with a technique that combines the classical single burr-hole irrigation and the continuous closed system drainage: The closed system irrigation & drainage (CSID) technique. Methods: The cases undergoing CSDH evacuation with the CSID method were captured over a 4-year period at a tertiary neurosurgical centre. The authors describe the performance of this methods with respect to post-operative clinical and radiological features, including recurrence rates, complications, and length of stay. Results: A total of 36 cases undergoing 42 CSID procedures (30 unilateral and 6 bilateral CSDHs) were performed, in cases ranging between 55-95 years old (median age 79 years). The rate of recurrence or significant ruminant blood in the subdural space on post-operative imaging was 11% (n=4). No cases of pneumocephalus were observed in this series (n=0). The mean (SD) skin-to-skin time for this procedure was 13.4 (4.4) minutes, with a mean (SD) length of stay of 4 (1.9) days. Conclusion: We conclude that the one burr-hole closed system irrigation and drainage technique with a sub-periosteal drain seems to be a simple, effective and safe procedure for treatment of CSDH. It's well tolerated under local anaesthesia for patients with high co-morbidities and these preliminary results indicated it may potentially be a better option for treatment of CSDH with a lower rate of post-operative complications.

Remote acute subarachnoid hemorrhage after drainage of chronic subdural hematoma: A case report and review of the literature

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Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can be treated by a relatively simple burr hole surgery. Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurring after surgery for CSDH has been reported as a rare but severe complication. So, we reported this case.

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Acute SAH occurring after surgery for CSDH is a rare but severe complication associated with the postoperative drainage speed. Rapid variation of cerebral blood flow and perioperative parenchymal shift occur due to the speed of the drainage system. Thus, the height of the tube should not be too low, thereby avoiding“too rapid or too excessive postoperative drainage.”

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Slow decompression with closed-system drainage is recommended to avoid rapid dynamic intracranial changes during drainage of a subdural hematoma, including brain shift or restoration of normal perfusion, to prevent devastating complications.

Introduction

Chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) can be treated by a relatively simple burr hole surgery. Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurring after surgery for CSDH has been reported as a rare but severe complication.

Case report

An 88-year-old female complained of progressive headache and dizziness for one month. A right fronto-temporo-parietal CSDH with a shift in the midline structures and lateral ventricle compression was shown by computed tomography (CT) scans. Closed-system drainage of the hematoma was performed via one burr hole under general anesthesia. Two hours after we began draining the hematoma at the patient’s bedside, the patient complained of headache and exhibited impaired consciousness that progressively degenerated. The drainage bag collected 200 ml of bloody liquid overa short time. A subsequent CT scan revealed SAH and an acute subdural hematoma. A CT angiogram excluded the presence of intracranial aneurysms. The patient died of hypostatic pneumonia after 15 days despite conservative medical management.

Discussion

Relevant literature was reviewed, and we believe that the occurrence of a hematoma in the opposite hemisphere and the hyperperfusion resulted from the rapid drainage of the hematoma, which caused the rupture of weak bridging veins during drainage.

Conclusion

Slow decompression with closed-system drainage is recommended to avoid rapid dynamic intracranial changes during drainage of a subdural hematoma, including brain shift or restoration of normal perfusion,to prevent devastating complications.

The number of burr holes and use of a drain do not interfere with surgical results of chronic subdural hematomas

Burr hole evacuation has been the most frequently-used procedure for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the use of a drain and/or the number of burr holes for treatment of CSDH modifies the rates of recurrence and complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 142 patients operated on because of CSDH, between 2006 and 2015, analyzing recurrence and complications of the use of one or two burr holes with or without the use of a drain.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients had bilateral CSDH (26%) and 105 (73.9%) patients had unilateral CSDH. Twenty-two (59.4%) patients were given a drain and 15 (40.6%) were not. A total number of recurrences occurred in 22 (15.5%) patients and the total number of complications was in six (4.2%) patients. Mean follow-up time was 7.67 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of burr holes and the use of the drain did not alter the rates of recurrence and complications in the treatment of CSDH.

Steroids in chronic subdural hematomas (SUCRE trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological pathology, especially in older patients. The actual "gold standard" of treatment is surgical evacuation, with various techniques used across neurosurgical teams. Over the years, there has been growing evidence that inflammatory processes play a major role in the pathogenesis of CSDH. In that context, the use of corticosteroids has been proposed alone or as an adjuvant treatment to surgery. However, this practice remains very empirical and there is a need for high-quality-of-evidence studies to clarify the role of corticosteroids in the management of CSDH.

METHODS/DESIGN

We propose a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing methylprednisolone versus placebo in the treatment of CSDH without clinical and/or radiological signs of severity. The treatment will be administered daily for a duration of 3 weeks, at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The primary endpoint will be the delay of occurrence of surgical treatment at 1 month following the introduction of the treatment. Secondary endpoints will include the rate of recourse to surgery, survival rate, quality of life and functional assessments, occurrence of systemic secondary effects and radiological assessment of the response to treatment. This multimodal assessment will be done at 1, 3 and 6 months. Two hundred and two patients (101 per arm) are expected to be included considering our primary hypotheses.

DISCUSSION

This trial started in June 2016; its results may open interesting alternatives to surgery in the management of patients harboring a CSDH, and may provide insights into the natural history of this common pathology.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02650609 . Registered on 4 January 2016. Graphical output of the OBF boundaries.

The Safety and Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine vs. Sufentanil in Monitored Anesthesia Care during Burr-Hole Surgery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Retrospective Clinical Trial

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a very common clinical emergency encountered in neurosurgery. While both general anesthesia (GA) and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) can be used during CSDH surgery, MAC is the preferred choice among surgeons. Further, while dexmedetomidine (DEX) is reportedly a safe and effective agent for many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, there have been no trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEX vs. sufentanil in CSDH surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEX vs. sufentanil in MAC during burr-hole surgery for CSDH.

Methods: In all, 215 fifteen patients underwent burr-hole surgery for CSDH with MAC and were divided into three groups: Group D1 (n = 67, DEX infusion at 0.5 μg·kg⁻¹ for 10 min), Group D2 (n = 75, DEX infusion at 1 μg·kg⁻¹ for 10 min), and Group S (n = 73, sufentanil infusion 0.3 μg·kg⁻¹ for 10 min). Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) of all three groups was maintained at 3. Anesthesia onset time, total number of intraoperative patient movements, hemodynamics, total cumulative dose of DEX, time to first dose and amount of rescue midazolam or fentanyl, percentage of patients converted to alternative sedative or anesthetic therapy, postoperative recovery time, adverse events, and patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were recorded.

Results: The anesthesia onset time was significantly less in group D2 (17.36 ± 4.23 vs. 13.42 ± 2.12 vs. 15.98 ± 4.58 min, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). More patients in groups D1 and S required rescue midazolam to achieve RSS = 3 (74.63 vs. 42.67 vs. 71.23%, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). However, the total dose of rescue midazolam was significantly higher in group D1 (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.4 mg, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). The time to first dose of rescue midazolam was significantly longer in group D2 (17.32 ± 4.47 vs. 23.56 ± 5.36 vs. 16.55 ± 4.91 min, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). Significantly fewer patients in groups S and D2 required rescue fentanyl to relieve pain (62.69 vs. 21.33 vs. 27.40%, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). Additionally, total dose of rescue fentanyl in group D1 group was significantly higher (212.5 ± 43.6 vs. 107.2 ± 35.9 vs. 98.6 ± 32.2 μg, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). Total number of patient movements during the burr-hole surgery was higher in groups D1 and S (47.76 vs. 20.00 vs. 47.95%, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). Four patients in D1 and five in S converted to propofol. The time to recovery for discharge from the PACU was significantly shorter in group D2 (16.24 ± 4.15 vs. 12.48 ± 3.29 vs. 15.91 ± 3.66 min, respectively, for D1, D2, S; P < 0.001). Results from the patient and surgeon satisfaction scores showed significant differences favoring group D2 (P < 0.05). More patients in groups D1 and S showed higher levels of the overall incidence of tachycardia and hypertension, and required higher doses of urapidil and esmolol (P < 0.05). Six patients experienced respiratory depression in group S.

Conclusion: Compared with sufentanil, DEX infusion at 1 μg·kg⁻¹ was associated with fewer intraoperative patient movements, fewer rescue interventions, faster postoperative recovery, and better patient and surgeon satisfaction scores and could be safely and effectively used for MAC during burr-hole surgery for CSDH.

Correlation between Head Trauma and Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Objective

Our study examined the prognostic factors involved in the outcome of patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) who had undergone burr hole drainage procedures, and investigated the association between outcome and traumatic head injury. In addition, we explored factors related to recurrence.

Methods

This study enrolled 238 patients with CSDH who had undergone burr hole drainage. Patients with history of head injury were categorized into the head trauma group and were compared with the no head trauma group. Outcome was considered good when modified Rankin Scale scores improved from admission to discharge and the final follow-up.

Results

Among 238 patients, 127 (53.4%) were included in the head trauma group. One hundred thirty-three (55.9%) patients demonstrated good outcome at discharge, and 171 (71.8%) patients demonstrated good outcome at the final follow-up. None of the factors examined was significantly correlated with good outcome at discharge. However, only history of head injury (p=0.033, odds ratio 0.511, 95% confidence interval 0.277-0.946) was significantly correlated with poor outcome at long-term follow-up. Recurrence occurred in 20 (8.4%) cases in the total cohort and 11 (55%) patients in the head trauma group.

Conclusion

History of head trauma is correlated with poor outcome at long-term follow-up in CSDH patients having undergone burr hole drainage. Therefore, CSDH patients with history of head injury are susceptible to poor outcome, warranting more careful evaluation and treatment after burr hole drainage.

Factors Affecting Outcome in Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in ICU Patients: Impact of Anticoagulation

BACKGROUND

The use of anticoagulants and older age are the main risk factors for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Because the age of the population and use of anticoagulants are increasing, a growing number of CSDH cases is expected. To address this issue, we analyzed the impact of anticoagulants on postsurgical outcome in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

Demographic data, coagulation parameters, surgical details, radiologic appearance of hematoma, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score on discharge were retrieved and retrospectively analyzed in 98 patients with CSDH treated in the neurosurgical ICU using correlation coefficient tests and multivariate analysis test.

RESULTS

Overall outcome was good (GOS score 4 and 5) in 55.1% of patients. Overall mortality was 9.1%. There was a correlation between GCS score on admission and GOS score. There was no correlation between hematoma thickness/radiologic appearance and impaired coagulation. Disturbance in thrombocyte function (usually resulting from aspirin intake) correlated with improved outcome, whereas warfarin-related coagulopathy correlated with poor recovery. Nevertheless, patients with thrombocytopathy presented with better initial GCS scores. Neither hematoma size nor recurrence rate affected the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The size of CSDH was not associated with poor outcome and is not necessarily determined by the use of anticoagulants. Coagulopathy does not rule out a good outcome, but the impact of anticoagulation on treatment results in CSDH varies between the main groups of drugs (warfarin vs. antiplatelet drugs). Patients in good neurologic condition on ICU admission have better chances of recovery.