Recurrence of chronic subdural haematomata with and without post-operative drainage

Abstract

Chronic subdural haematoma is a common disease causing morbidity and mortality. Recurrence after surgical treatment is common, varying from 5% to 30% of cases. Several methods for reducing recurrence have been advocated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of post-operative subdural drainage. Three hundred forty-four patients were included in a retrospective study. Treatment was performed by burr hole irrigation. Groups were separated into those with post-operative drainage compared to those without. Recurrence occurred in 14% in the drained group, significantly less than 26% in the undrained group (p = 0.011). There were no differences in the complication rates. Post-operative drainage reduces recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma without increasing the complication rate. These results support those reported in several other studies. We recommend the use of post-operative subdural drainage.

Key words:

• Chronic subdural haematoma
• subdural drainage
• recurrence rate

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the secretarial assistance of Ms. Aase Fuglendorf, and the discussion of literature and cases with Drs. Jens Jakob Riis and Preben Sørensen.

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.