Outcomes of SUBGALEAL Drain Placement after two Burr-Holes Craniectomy for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of subgaleal drain placement after two burr-holes evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: The Neurosurgical unit of the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from April to November 2021. Methods: Sixty-four consecutive patients diagnosed with surgically significant unilateral chronic subdural hematoma were prospectively included after obtaining informed consent. All the patients underwent two burr-holes craniectomies and evacuation, followed by subgaleal drain placement. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical information including hematoma resolution and complications were collected. Results: This study included 44 (69%) males and 20 (31%) females with a mean age of 70.1 ± 8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were headaches (70%) and confusion (68%). Eighteen patients (28%) were taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, whereas, 23 patients (36%) were taking antiplatelet medications at the time of presentation. Thirty-six (56.3%) patients had a history of head trauma. Warfarin use was statistically significant in the patients with no history of head injury. Fifty-five patients (85%) showed no significant recurrence on the 2 week postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. None of the patients had intraparenchymal hematoma or contusion of iatrogenic origin on postoperative CT scans. Conclusions: Subgaleal drain placement after two burr-holes craniectomy led to high-resolution rates. However, no parenchymal injuries were attributed to the procedure.

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma, Subdural drain, Subperiosteal drain, Burr-hole craniostomy.