Management of chronic subdural haematoma: Single burr-hole drainage and irrigation using the technique of “syringing”

Abstract

Background

Chronic subdural haematoma is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. The surgical approaches exhibit a wide spectrum ranging from simple burr-hole to complex craniotomy with excision of membrane. We tried to approach this condition with a procedure that is safer and faster using a single burr-hole for drainage and a technique of “syringing” the subdural space with normal saline for irrigation.

Aims

We describe our technique of single burr-hole drainage and normal saline irrigation using the technique of “syringing”.

Settings and design

This is a retrospective study wherein we analysed the data of the treated patients contained in the case sheets, operation theatre records and hospital discharge summaries.

Methods and material

Hundred fifty patients who had chronic subdural haematoma were treated surgically from April 2010 to March 2013. All the patients were operated under general anaesthesia. The clinical data at admission, discharge and 3 weeks following discharge was analysed as per the records.

Results

Favourable outcome was seen in all the 150 patients treated. None of the patients had any recurrence. Superficial wound infection was seen in only one patient which subsided with antibiotics.

Conclusions

Single burr-hole drainage and saline irrigation using the technique of “syringing” is a simple, fast and safe procedure for treating chronic subdural haematoma with a favourable outcome.

Keywords

Chronic subdural haematoma - Burr-hole - Syringing

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