Acute-to-chronic subdural hematoma: radiographic and clinical progression from acute subdural hematoma.

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not been completely understood. However, different mechanisms can result in space-occupying subdural fluid collections, one pathway can be the transformation of an original trauma-induced acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) into a CSDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with unilateral CSDH, requiring burr hole trephination between 2018 and 2023 were included. The population was distributed into an acute-to-chronic group (group A, n = 41) and into a conventional group (group B, n = 282). Clinical and radiographic parameters were analyzed. In analysis A, changes of parameters after trauma within group A are compared. In analysis B, parameters between the two groups before surgery were correlated. RESULTS: In group A, volume and midline shift increased significantly during the progression from acute-to-chronic (p < 0.001, resp.). Clinical performance (modified Rankin scale, Glasgow Coma Scale) dropped significantly (p = 0.035, p < 0.001, resp.). Median time between trauma with ASDH and surgery for CSDH was 12 days. Patients treated up to the 12th day presented with larger volume of ASDH (p = 0.012). Before burr hole trephination, patients in group A presented with disturbance of consciousness (DOC) more often (p = 0.002), however less commonly with a new motor deficit (p = 0.014). Despite similar midline shift between the groups (p = 0.8), the maximal hematoma width was greater in group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: If ASDH transforms to CSDH, treatment may become mandatory early due to increase in volume and midline shift. Close monitoring of these patients is crucial since DOC and rapid deterioration is common in this type of SDH.

Recurrence rates of pilonidal sinus disease in the pediatric population following trephine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common surgical disease. Multiple surgical methods exist in the literature, without clear consensus regarding which should be the first-line treatment. Minimally invasive methods such as the Gips procedure are gaining popularity in recent years. The aim of our study was to assess recurrence rates following the Gips procedure and to determine whether using the same surgical approach during re-operation is efficient and successful. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective observational study of pediatric patients that underwent Gips procedure due to PSD between the years 2012-2022. RESULTS: 565 pediatric patients underwent an elective surgery for PSD in the study period. Recurrence rate was 8.1% (n = 46). In all the patients with recurrence, re-operation took place on average 9 months following the first surgery and using the same surgical method. Following the second surgery, only 8 patients (1%) had multiple recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: We found a relatively low recurrence rate in the pediatric population using the Gips method, and nearly 100% success rate following the second operation. Our findings set a new benchmark for pediatric recurrence following PSD operation, with clear recommendation to use the same method of surgery upon further recurrences as well.

Template-based target point localization for occlusion of the middle meningeal artery during evacuation of space-occupying chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular middle meningeal artery (MMA) occlusion may help reduce the risk of recurrence after burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) but carries an additional periprocedural risk and remains hampered by logistical and financial requirements. In this study, the authors aimed to describe a simple and fast technique for preoperative MMA localization to permit burr hole cSDH evacuation and MMA occlusion through the same burr hole. METHODS: The authors performed a preclinical anatomical and prospective clinical study, followed by a retrospective feasibility analysis. An anatomical cadaver study with 33 adult human skulls (66 hemispheres) was used to localize a suitable frontal target point above the pterion, where the MMA can be accessed via burr hole trephination. Based on anatomical landmark measurements, the authors designed a template for projected localization of this target point onto the skin. Next, the validity of the template was tested using image guidance in 10 consecutive patients undergoing elective pterional craniotomy, and the feasibility of the target point localization for cSDH accessibility was determined based on hematoma localization in 237 patients who were treated for a space-occupying cSDH in the authors' department between 2014 and 2018. RESULTS: In the anatomical study, the mean perpendicular distance from the zygomatic process to the target point in the frontoparietal bone was 4.1 cm (95% CI 4-4.2 cm). The mean length along the upper margin of the zygomatic process from the middle of the external auditory canal to the point of the perpendicular distance was 2.3 cm (95% CI 2.2-2.4 cm). The template designed according to these measurements yielded high agreement between the template-based target point and the proximal MMA groove inside the frontoparietal bone (right 90.9%; left 93.6%). In the clinical validation, we noted a mean distance of 4 mm (95% CI 2.1-5.9 mm) from the template-based target point to the actual MMA localization. The feasibility analysis yielded that 95% of all cSDHs in this cohort would have been accessible by the new frontal burr hole localization. CONCLUSIONS: A template-based target point approach for MMA localization may serve as a simple, fast, reliable, and cost-effective technique for surgical evacuation of space-occupying cSDHs with MMA obliteration through the same burr hole in a single setting.

Intraoperative Irrigation and Risk of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In most neurosurgical centers, irrigation is an essential part of the surgical procedure for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, it is unknown whether the volume of irrigation fluid affects the risk of CSDH recurrence. This study aimed to investigate a potential association between the volume of irrigation fluid used during burr hole evacuation of CSDH and the risk of CSDH recurrence. METHODS: This study is a subanalysis of 2 randomized trials (Drain Time & Drain Time 2) designed to investigate the effect of drainage duration on the recurrence of CSDH. Intraoperative irrigation volume was measured, and patients were followed for 90 days for recurrent CSDH. RESULTS: A total of 525 patients with CSDH were included. There was no significant difference in the volume of irrigation fluid used between patients with recurrence (mean = 938 mL, SD = ±552) and without recurrence (mean = 852 mL, SD = ±454) ( P -value = .15). Patients with recurrent CSDH had larger primary CSDH volumes (mean = 134 cm 3 , SD = ±69) than patients without recurrence (mean = 119 cm 3 , SD = ±58) ( P = .04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed no association between irrigation volume and recurrence, also when stratified for hematoma size. CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between irrigation volume and recurrent CSDH within 90 days in patients undergoing burr hole surgery for CSDH.

Patient perception and satisfaction in awake burr hole trepanation under local anesthesia for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma.

Evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) will be one of the most common neurosurgical procedures in the future in the increasingly aging societies. Performing cranial surgery on awake patients may place a psychological burden on them. Aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress of patients during awake CSDH relief. Patients with awake evacuation of CSDH via burr hole trepanation were included in our monocentric prospective study. Patient perception and satisfaction were measured using standardized surveys 3-5 days and 6 months after surgery. Among other questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression and the Impact of Event Scale, were used to quantify patients' stress. A total of 50 patients (mean age 72.9 years (range 51 - 92)) were included. During surgery, 28 patients reported pain (mean 4.1 (SD 3.3)). Postoperatively, 26 patients experienced pain (mean 2.7 (SD 2.6)). Patients' satisfaction with intraoperative communication was reported with a mean of 8.3 (SD 2.1). There was a significant negative correlation between intraoperatively perceived pain and satisfaction with intraoperative communication (p = 0.023). Good intraoperative communication during evacuation of CSDH in awake patients is associated with positive patient perception and correlates with pain reduction.

Effectiveness of Burr Hole Sizes on Midline Shift and Hematoma Thickness in the Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of the burr hole width on the postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) thickness and midline shift radiologically. METHODS: The medical records of 92 patients who had undergone surgery after a diagnosis of CSH between April 1, 2015 and July 1, 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed, and the thickness of the hematoma and midline shift and the diameters of 2 burr holes opened were measured and recorded. The correlation between the burr hole diameter width and CSH thickness on postoperative CT scans and the improvement in midline shift were investigated statistically. RESULTS: When the CT scans performed on the first postoperative day and first postoperative month were examined, we found that the preoperative hematoma thickness and midline shift were significantly reduced postoperatively (P < 0.001). A positive significant correlation was found between the improvement in the midline shift, posterior burr hole diameter, and anteroposterior burr hole arithmetic mean (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Having examined the current surgical techniques in the treatment of CSH, we found that an increase in the burr hole craniostomy width, especially the posterior burr hole craniostomy width, contributed to the improvement in the midline shift.

Effect of postoperative tranexamic acid on recurrence rate and complications in chronic subdural hematomas patients: preliminary results of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequent neurosurgical disease which mainly affects elderly patients. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been hypothesized as an oral agent to avoid CSDH progression and/or recurrence. We performed an evaluation to determine whether the postoperative use of TXA reduces recurrence rate. A prospective, randomized, and controlled trial. Patients with unilateral or bilateral chronic subdural hematoma undergoing surgical treatment by burr-hole were randomized as to whether or not to use TXA in the postoperative period. We evaluated image and clinical recurrence of CSDH at follow up of 6 months and potential clinical and/or surgical complications impact of TXA. Twenty-six patients were randomized to the control group (52%) and twenty-four patients to the TXA group (48%). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 16 months. There were no significant difference between baseline data in groups regarding to age, gender, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulants, smoking, alcoholism, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hematoma laterality, hematoma thickness, and drain use. Clinical and radiological recurrence occurred in three patients (6%), being two cases in TXA group (8.3%) and 1 in control group (3.8%). Postoperative complications occurred in two patients during follow-up (4%), being both cases in TXA group (8.3%), and none in the control group. Although TXA group had a higher recurrence rate (8.3%), there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Moreover, TXA group had two complications while control group had no complications. Although limited by experimental nature of study and small sample, our current data suggest that TXA should not be used as a potential agent to avoid recurrences of CSDH and might increase complication odds.

Efficacy analysis of neuroendoscopy-assisted burr-hole evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to compare neuroendoscopy-assisted burr-hole evacuation with conventional burr-hole evacuation in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), and to evaluate the curative effect of neuroendoscopy. This study follows PRISMA guidelines and uses the keywords "chronic subdural hematoma," "neuroendoscopies," "neuroendoscopy," "endoscopy," "endoscopic neurosurgery," and "neuroendoscopic surgery" to conduct an electronic search of online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. There were no restrictions on language or publication year. This meta-analysis involved 948 patients in six studies. The results showed that the recurrence rate in the neuroendoscopy group was significantly lower than that in the conventional burr-hole group (3.1% vs. 13.8%, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the neuroendoscopy group had a longer operation time (P<0.001) and a shorter postoperative drainage time (P<0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in hospital stay (P=0.14), mortality (P=0.39), postoperative morbidity (P=0.12), or 6-month neurological outcomes (P=0.32) between the two groups. It should be noted that the comparison of neurological outcomes was based on 269 patients (6/106 vs. 14/163). Compared with conventional burr-hole evacuation, neuroendoscopy-assisted burr-hole evacuation reduces the recurrence rate of CSDH and shortens the postoperative drainage time. However, the neuroendoscopy group did not have lower mortality or morbidity or better functional outcomes. In the future, randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopic surgery.

Clinical efficacy of minimally invasive puncture and drainage versus trepanation and drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive puncture and drainage (MIPD) versus trepanation and drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched for studies on the treatment of CSDH by MIPD and trepanation and drainage. By reading the title, abstract and full text, and screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the qualified articles were confirmed. Subsequently, the literature quality was evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the data of the research subjects and the primary outcome measures were extracted for meta-analysis with RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS: Ten articles were included, with a total of 1000 patients. According to the meta-analysis, the 2 groups showed no statistical difference in CSDH recurrence rate (P > .05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions were lower and the cure rate was higher in the MIPD group compared with trepanation and drainage group (all P < .05). By drawing the funnel plot of the outcome measures with heterogeneity, it can be seen that the distribution on both sides of the funnel was basically symmetrical, suggesting a low deviation possibility of the analysis results and reliable reference significance of our findings. CONCLUSION: Compared with trepanation and drainage, MIPD has better clinical effects and higher safety in treating CSDH and can effectively reduce surgery-induced damage, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.

Artificial cerebrospinal fluid use during burr-hole surgery and reoperation rate in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: an analysis using a nationwide inpatient database.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical procedure to reduce the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after burr-hole surgery remains to be established. This study aimed to investigate the association between artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACF) use during burr-hole surgery and reoperation rate in patients with CSDH. METHOD: In this retrospective cohort study, we used the Japanese Diagnostic Procedure Combination inpatient database. We identified patients aged 40-90 years who were hospitalized for CSDH and had undergone burr-hole surgery within 2 days of admission, between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2019. We performed a one-to-one propensity score-matched analysis to compare the outcomes between patients with and without ACF irrigation during burr-hole surgery. The primary outcome was reoperation within 1 year of surgery. The secondary outcome was the total hospitalization costs. RESULTS: Of the 149,543 patients with CSDH from 1100 hospitals, ACF was used in 32,748 patients (21.9%). Propensity score matching created highly balanced 13,894 matched pairs. In the matched patients, the reoperation rate was significantly lower in the ACF users than that in the non-users group (6.3% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.015), with a risk difference of -0.8% (95% confidence interval, -1.5 to -0.2). There was no significant difference in the total hospitalization costs between the two groups (5079 vs. 5042 US dollars, P = 0.330). CONCLUSIONS: ACF use during burr-hole surgery may be associated with lower reoperation rate in patients with CSDH.

Trephinations, Trephines, and Craniectomies: Contrast Between Global Ancient Civilizations and Pre-Hispanic Mexican Cultures.

Mesoamerica is culturally rich in diverse aspects, such as nature, sociology, and archeology. Several neurosurgical techniques were described during the Pre-Hispanic era. In Mexico, various cultures, such as the Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Tlatilcan, and Tarahumara, developed surgical procedures using different tools to perform cranial and probably brain interventions. Trepanations, trephines, and craniectomies are different concepts utilized to describe skull operations, which were conducted to treat traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases, and as a prominent form of ritual practice. More than 40 skulls have been rescued and studied in this region. In addition to written medical sources, archeological vestiges allow a more profound comprehension of Pre-Columbian brain surgery. The purpose of this study is to present the existing evidence of cranial surgery in Pre-Hispanic Mexican civilizations and their worldwide counterparts, procedures that have contributed to the global neurosurgical armamentarium, and have significantly impacted the medical practice's evolution.

Butterfly needle tap and suction (BTS) technique: a treatment for recurrent chronic subdural hematoma after burr hole craniostomy.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we propose a butterfly needle tap and suction (BTS) technique for recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) as an alternative to reoperation with burr hole craniostomy (BHC) and investigate its efficacy and safety. The procedure involves percutaneous puncture through the burr hole created during the previous surgery and subsequent hematoma evacuation using a butterfly needle. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BTS for CSDH at Ogaki Municipal Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020. The follow-up CT scans were reviewed after several weeks. We evaluated the number of percutaneous punctures required to resolve CSDH during the BTS technique, the volume of the evacuated hematoma, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the study, 21 of whom achieved resolution of the hematoma using punctures with the BTS technique alone (mean, 2.2 ± 1.5). Five patients had a recurrence of hematoma after one or more punctures during the BTS technique, and they underwent reoperation with BHC according to the surgeon's decision or patient requests. Among the 55 punctures, 43.0 ± 16.0 ml of hematoma was evacuated per puncture. The evacuated hematoma volume was 41.9 ± 16.4 ml in the BTS-alone group and 49.4 ± 12.9 ml in the reoperation group, with no significant difference (p = 0.25). Three patients complained of a headache during the puncture procedure, and no other complications, including intracranial hemorrhage or infection, were reported therein. CONCLUSIONS: The BTS technique is an effective alternative to reoperation with BHC.

First Experience With Postoperative Transcranial Ultrasound Through Sonolucent Burr Hole Covers in Adult Hydrocephalus Patients.

BACKGROUND: Managing patients with hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders requires repeated head imaging. In adults, it is typically computed tomography (CT) or less commonly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, CT poses cumulative radiation risks and MRI is costly. Ultrasound is a radiation-free, relatively inexpensive, and optionally point-of-care alternative, but is prohibited by very limited windows through an intact skull. OBJECTIVE: To describe our initial experience with transcutaneous transcranial ultrasound through sonolucent burr hole covers in postoperative hydrocephalus and CSF disorder patients. METHODS: Using cohort study design, infection and revision rates were compared between patients who underwent sonolucent burr hole cover placement during new ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and endoscopic third ventriculostomy over the 1-year study time period and controls from the period 1 year before. Postoperatively, trans-burr hole ultrasound was performed in the clinic, at bedside inpatient, and in the radiology suite to assess ventricular anatomy. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with sonolucent burr hole cover were compared with 57 historical control patients. There was no statistically significant difference in infection rates between the sonolucent burr hole cover group (1/37, 2.7%) and the control group (0/57, P = .394). Revision rates were 13.5% vs 15.8% (P = 1.000), but no revisions were related to the burr hole or cranial hardware. CONCLUSION: Trans-burr hole ultrasound is feasible for gross evaluation of ventricular caliber postoperatively in patients with sonolucent burr hole covers. There was no increase in infection rate or revision rate. This imaging technique may serve as an alternative to CT and MRI in the management of select patients with hydrocephalus and CSF disorders.

The effect of perioperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and male sex on the recurrence rates after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation.

BACKGROUND: Drugs that inhibit blood clot formation are a risk factor for the development and recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was associated with higher bleeding rates in non-neurosurgical patients, but their influence on cranial hematomas is unclear. We sought to better describe the hazard associated with their use in cSDH patients and find additional risk factors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing burr hole drainage for cSDH over a period of 15 years. Demographic and surgical details were extracted from individual patient records. Patients were followed for up to 90 days with SDH recurrence requiring repeat surgery as the primary endpoint. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to identify risk factors and their effect size. RESULTS: We included 361 patients, who underwent burr hole drainage for cSDH. Recurrences occurred in 73 patients (20.2%) after a median time period of 18 days. Sixty-six patients in our cohort were taking NSAIDs perioperatively. The recurrence rate was not higher in NSAID users compared to other patients with 18.2% and 20.7%, respectively. 23.5% of men, yet only 12.7% of women had recurrences revealing male sex as a risk factor in a uni- and multivariate regression. Not placing a drain was a risk factor for early recurrences, which resulted in a prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: We identified male sex as a risk factor for cSDH recurrence after burr hole drainage, while perioperative NSAID use did not increase recurrence rates.

Safety and Performance of a New Burr Hole Covering Device: Results of the Multicenter COVER Registry.

BACKGROUND: Burr hole covering in brain surgical procedures can avoid complications and unaesthetic results. The aim of this registry was to assess the safety and performance of a new polymeric burr hole covering device (Cranial COVER, NEOS Surgery). METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, clinical registry design was used for the study. All the patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study and followed up for 6 months. Baseline clinical parameters, surgical variables (technical success of the implantation, surgeon satisfaction), postoperative variables (aesthetic and functional results, neuroimaging artifacts), and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-three Cranial COVER devices were implanted in 30 patients. Most of them were implanted in frontal locations (53.5%). After implantation, 97.7% of the devices completely covered the burr hole, and 100% perfectly adapted to the skull surface. All surgeons ranked their satisfaction with the implantation procedure as very high or high. No artifacts were detected in any of the neuroimaging studies performed and no adverse events related with the device or its implantation were reported during the follow-up. There were significantly more scalp depressions associated with uncovered than with Cranial COVER-covered burr holes (p = 0.040). Patient satisfaction with covered burr holes located in the frontal and parietal areas was 9.0 ± 1.4 over 10. CONCLUSION: Cranial COVER is a safe and reliable burr hole covering system that offers excellent cosmetic results and high satisfaction rates for both surgeons and patients. Cranial COVER is highly adaptable to the skull surface, and it was predominantly used in frontal locations due to their cosmetic importance.

Endoscope-assisted Manipulation of Chronic Subdural Hematomas Provides a Novel Solution for Eliminating the Septum and Inner Membrane Leading to Reduced Recurrence.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Canonical burr-hole craniostomy (BHC) with drainage is the primary treatment for chronic subdural hematomas. However, complicated situations such as organized clots or compartmentation may result in recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Herein, we introduce a novel technique by applying an endoscope for tearing the inner membrane and septum, in addition to evacuating the hematoma in the subdural space where in-line visualization is not possible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-nine cases of CSDH were enrolled in this study. Of these, 13 patients were treated endoscopically. The 0-degree and 30-degree, 2.7 mm endoscope was applied after a BHC. The arachnoid knife for microsurgery was used to tear the inner membrane to open the compartments. RESULTS: Non-endoscope-assisted operated (non-Endo group) and endoscope-assisted membranectomy patients (Endo group) demonstrated no differences in sex, age, body mass index, trauma, other diseases, or use of anticoagulation agents. Although the surgery time spent for the Endo patients was longer (128.53±49.56 min) than that for the non-Endo group (65.18±32.89 min), no recurrence was found among the Endo group, whereas a higher rate was observed in the non-Endo group. CONCLUSION: Novel endoscope-assisted membranectomy is a powerful technique capable of reducing recurrence and improving surgical outcomes.

Hematoma cavity separation and neomembrane thickness are potential triggers of recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is the anomalous and encapsulated accumulation of fluid of complex origin consisting of old blood, mostly or totally liquified and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the subdural space usually after a head injury in the elderly. Almost all the research on surgical techniques and endoscopic assisted evacuation of CSDH focused on the just the evacuation and not abnormal anatomical structures that causes recurrences. OBJECTIVES: We investigated abnormal anatomical structures that triggers recurrence of CSDH during craniotomy as well as burr-hole craniostomy with endoscopic assistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with CSDH who underwent craniostomy and burr-hole craniotomy with endoscopic assisted evacuation of hematoma between April 2017 and November 2020 at our institution. Clinical data obtained was categorized into patient-related, radiology as well as surgery and endoscopic evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients (109 men and 34 women) aged 43-94 years (mean age, 68.35 years) with CSDH were included in this study. We observed a recurrence rate of 4.9% (7/143). Recurrences occurred between 2 and 6 months after the operation in patients with recurrences. Our data revealed that, age, hypertension, history of injury, diabetes, antiplatelet or anticoagulant use were not associated with hematoma recurrence. Nevertheless, all the patients with recurrence of hematoma were males. Interestingly, our univariate and multivariate analyses found neomembrane thickness and hematoma cavity separation as independent risk factors (OR,45.822; 95% CI,2.666-787.711; p = 0.008) for the recurrence of CSDH (p < 0.05). Also, we observed thickened membranes connecting/separating the dura and the thickened arachnoid/pia matters in all the 7 patients with hematoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of patients with CSDH ought to include the identification and resection of abnormal thickened membranes connecting/separating the dura and the thickened arachnoid/pia matters to avoid recurrence. Comparatively, endoscopy showed hematoma cavity separation or neomembrane thickness just as seen during craniotomy.

Threading the Needle: When a Cranial Burr Hole Is Palliative Therapy.

Subdural hematoma (SDH) impacts up to 58.1 per 100,000 individuals aged ≥65 years. Some patients or proxies elect to focus exclusively on comfort care treatments, whereas others may consider surgical procedures such as a craniotomy or cranial trephination (burr hole) to relieve intracranial pressure. The central lesson of this case report is that the burr hole is a potential palliative care treatment in terms of experiences and outcomes, even among very old adults provided they have excellent baseline function. We present a case of a 95-year-old woman presenting to the emergency department with acute on chronic SDH and aphasia. Neurosurgical consultation and cranial trephination reversed her aphasia, and she continues to live independently with good function three years postsurgery. We discuss how the burr hole is consistent with a palliative care approach as well as the value of interdisciplinary discussions of minimally invasive neurosurgical interventions with potential for enhancing quality of life.

Comparison of a bolt-connected external ventricular drain with a tunneled external ventricular drain - a narrative review and meta-analysis.

External ventricular drain (EVD) is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures. EVD can be associated with high rates of complications like misplacement, iatrogenic hemorrhage, and CSF infection. Several modifications have been proposed in the EVD insertion techniques to decrease the risk of these complications. Bolt-connected EVD, one of these modifications which involves insertion of a bolt in the burr hole, has been proposed to have better chances of optimal placement of EVD tip, lesser risk of CSF infection, and accidental pullout. A comprehensive search of different databases was performed to retrieve studies comparing the bolt-connected EVD with tunneled EVD and meta-analysis was done. Seven studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that bolt-connected EVD is associated with significantly better chances of optimal placement than traditional tunneled EVD (MH OR-1.65, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.40, p = 0.008). We also observed that bolt-connected EVD is associated with significantly decreased risk of CSF infection (MH OR-0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.94, p = 0.026), EVD malfunction (MH OR-0.31, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.58, p = 0.0003), and accidental disconnection (MH OR-0.09, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.26, p < 0.0001) as compared to traditional tunneled EVD. The difference between the two techniques was not statistically significant for complications, multiple punctures done for insertion of EVD, iatrogenic intracranial, and need of reoperation. Bolt-connected external ventricular drain is associated with significantly more chances of optimal placement and lesser chances of accidental discontinuation and CSF infection than tunneled EVD. There was no statistically significant difference noted between the two techniques for multiple punctures done for insertion of EVD, iatrogenic intracranial hemorrhage and need of reoperation. However, most of the included studies were retrospective. Thus, the results from the meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution as further prospective high-quality studies are needed.

Comparative analysis of safety and efficacy in subperiosteal versus subdural drainage after burr-hole trephination for chronic subdural hematoma.

PURPOSE: The treatment of choice for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has been established as burr-hole trephination with drain insertion; however, controversy remains over the best place for the drainage catheter. In this study, we compare the safety and efficacy of a subperiosteal drain (SPD) with that of a subdural drain (SDD) after one burr-hole trephination for CSDH. METHODS: This retrospective and comparative study includes all CSDH patients treated with burr-hole trephination at our institution between January 2015 and December 2019. 59 patients were treated with SPD insertion (SPD group), and 203 patients were treated with SDD insertion (SDD group). RESULTS: The median hematoma thickness of the SPD group within 24 h after surgery was significantly thicker than that of the SDD group (9.5 mm vs. 7.5 mm, p = 0.003), but the midline shifting of the SPD group did not differ from that of the SDD group (3.8 mm vs. 3.5 mm, p = 0.280). The recurrence rate in the SPD group did not differ significantly from that in the SDD group (13.2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.351). The frequency of bleeding events after surgery also did not differ significantly (5.1% vs. 3.5% p-value = 0.636). In contrast to surgery-related morbidities, medical morbidities such as pneumonia were significantly higher in the SDD group (4.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.044). The all-cause mortality rates during the perioperative period did not differ between the two groups (5.1% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.848). CONCLUSION: Our findings may suggest that burr-hole trephination with SPD insertion had better surgical feasibility and fewer perioperative complications than SDD insertion. The type of anesthesia seems to be related with fewer medical complications at perioperative period. Larger, randomized clinical trials focusing not only the drain type but anesthesia type, are needed to validate our findings.