Subdural Hematoma Surgery

Updated: Jun 28, 2022
  • Author: Herbert H Engelhard, III, MD, PhD, FACS, FAANS; Chief Editor: Brian H Kopell, MD  more...
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Background

A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common neurosurgical disorder that often requires surgical intervention. It is a type of intracranial hemorrhage that occurs beneath the dura (essentially, a collection of blood over the surface of the brain) and may be associated with other brain injuries (see the images below).

Left-side acute subdural hematoma (SDH). Note high Left-side acute subdural hematoma (SDH). Note high signal intensity of acute blood and (mild) midline shift of ventricles.
Left-side chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Note ef Left-side chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Note effacement of left lateral ventricle.

SDHs can be associated with high mortality and morbidity, even when the best medical and neurosurgical care is provided. They are usually caused by trauma but can be spontaneous or result from a procedure (eg, lumbar puncture). [1] Anticoagulation (eg, with heparin or warfarin) may be a contributing factor.

The practice of trephination of the head (ie, chipping or drilling a hole through the skull) has been traced back to ancient times. In 1840, the French author Balzac described a case of chronic SDH, including its traumatic origin and surgical treatment. [2]

In the late 19th century, with the rise of medicine, development of aseptic technique and anesthesia, and establishment of the basic principles of neurologic localization, surgery for intracranial lesions (including SDH) became more common, and survival rates subsequently improved.

In 1883, Hulke first described successful neurosurgical treatment of chronic SDH. [3] Although cerebral angiography could be used to localize SDHs in the early-to-middle 20th century, the development of computed tomography (CT) in the late 1970s represented another leap in patient care.

See also Subdural Hematoma, Emergent Management of Subdural Hematoma, Imaging in Subdural Hematoma, Closed Head Trauma, Head Injury, and Forensic Autopsy of Blunt Force Trauma.

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Anatomy

As the name implies, the subdural space is under the dura but above the pia-arachnoid that is intimately associated with the cortical surface. SDHs are usually hemispheric in location, but they may occur along the falx or the tentorium or in the posterior fossa.

An SDH usually forms after the rupture of a bridging vein. These run from the cortical surface to the dura. Bridging veins are most commonly found along the sagittal sinus and around the anterior tip of the temporal lobe. The source of bleeding may or may not be found at the time of surgery.

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Prognosis

Acute subdural hematoma

The mortality of acute SDH has been reported to be in the range of 36-79%. Many survivors do not regain previous levels of functioning, especially after an acute SDH severe enough to necessitate surgical drainage. Favorable outcome rates after acute SDH range from 14% to 40%.

Several series have shown an increase in favorable outcome in younger patients. [4] Ages younger than 40 years were associated with a mortality of 20%, whereas ages of 40-80 years were associated with a mortality of 65%. Ages older than 80 years carried a mortality of 88%.

Findings demonstrated by means of CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help indicate prognosis. Such findings may include the thickness or volume of the hematoma, the degree of midline shift, the presence of associated traumatic intradural lesions, and the compression of the brainstem or basal cisterns. [5] The first CT scan may underestimate the size of parenchymal contusions.

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) postoperatively indicates a poor prognosis and may indicate the severity of the underlying brain injury (eg, trauma or secondary infarction). Additionally, generally, a poor preoperative neurologic status may be a harbinger of a poor outcome.

Other poor prognostic indicators for acute SDH have been reported to include the initial and postresuscitation Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, the GCS motor score on admission, pupillary abnormalities, alcohol use, injury by motorcycle, ischemic damage, [6] hypoxia or hypotension, and overall ability to control ICP. [7, 8, 5, 9]

Chronic subdural hematoma

Outcome after drainage of a chronic SDH has also been found to correlate with preoperative neurologic status. Early diagnosis before a significant neurologic deterioration may correlate with a more favorable prognosis. No correlation has been found between preoperative CT findings and postoperative outcome.

The mortality within 30 days of surgery is 3.2-6.5%. About 80% of patients resume their prehematoma level of function, and favorable outcomes occur in 61% of patients aged 60 years or younger and in 76% of patients older than 60 years.

In a series by Mori and Maeda, 89.4% of patients with chronic SDH who were treated with a closed drainage system had a good recovery and 2.2% worsened. [10] Old age, preexisting cerebral infarction, and subdural air after surgery correlated with poor brain expansion. Stanisic et al reported a 14.9% postoperative recurrence rate [11] ; various factors were associated with this.

A study by Hori et al (N = 92) found elevated serum levels (>5 μg/mL) of fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) on admission to be a predictor of recurrent chronic SDH. [12]

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Indications for Surgical Treatment

The nature and timing of neurosurgical intervention in a patient with an SDH depends on multiple factors, including the size, age, and location of the hematoma and the medical and neurologic condition of the patient. Surgery may be urgently required, yet even emergency surgery does not guarantee a satisfactory outcome. [13, 14]

Surgical evacuation via craniotomy is often considered in patients who have an acute SDH thicker than 5 mm (as measured with axial CT) and who have any neurologic signs, such as lethargy or other change in mental status, or a focal neurologic deficit. [15] Bullock et al stated that "an acute SDH with a thickness greater than 10 mm, or a midline shift greater than 5 mm on computed tomography (CT) scan should be surgically evacuated, regardless of the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score." [16]

Performing surgery for acute SDH has often been considered as self-evidently effective as using a parachute when skydiving. In a systematic review and meta-analysis (102 studies; N = 12,287) aimed at estimating the magnitude of the effectiveness of surgery, Van Essen et al studied the question of whether surgery reduced mortality in traumatic acute ASDH as compared with initial conservative treatment. [17] They found that surgery was effective in reducing mortality among comatose acute SDH patients and that the magnitude of the effect was large (absolute risk reduction, 40%).

Surgery for chronic SDH may also be indicated if the hematoma is symptomatic or is producing significant mass effect, as evaluated with diagnostic imaging. Diagnostic imaging that shows an expanding hematoma may also indicate the need for surgery, even in some patients whose neurologic status is near normal. (See the images below.)

Isodense subdural hematoma (SDH). Note that no sul Isodense subdural hematoma (SDH). Note that no sulcal markings are below inner table of skull on right side.
Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) as complication of c Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) as complication of craniotomy. Note significant mass effect with midline shift.
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Contraindications for Surgical Treatment

Contraindications for surgery are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors that relate to the patient's neurologic and medical condition. For example, a patient with a massive SDH may not be a surgical candidate if he or she has concomitant brain death, anticipated severe neurologic damage, coexisting brain lesions (eg, infarction), or a medical condition that contraindicates general anesthesia or surgery (eg, coagulopathy before correction). In addition, what is known of the patient's and family's beliefs and instructions may play a role in this decision.

At the other end of the spectrum, small acute SDHs thinner than 5 mm on axial CT images without sufficient mass effect to cause midline shift or neurologic signs may be observed clinically. MRI may be more sensitive than CT in detecting small SDHs (see the image below).

Isodense subdural hematoma (SDH) as pictured with Isodense subdural hematoma (SDH) as pictured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can more readily reveal smaller SDHs, and, on MRI, imaging of blood products changes characteristically over time.

A chronic SDH with minimal or no mass effect on imaging studies and no neurologic symptoms or signs except mild headache is often observed with serial scans and may resolve without surgical intervention.

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Surgical Options

Although surgical intervention may be able to successfully remove the hematoma itself, patients with acute SDHs are often difficult to treat and may have a poor outcome as a consequence of underlying brain injury. The medical issues, especially in older patients with SDHs, may be complex. [18]

Regarding surgical timing, the adage "the sooner the surgery is done, the better" may not always be accurate. This is for various reasons, and it depends on the individual case. [7] Decades ago, Wilberger et al concluded that "the time from injury to operative evacuation of the acute SDH in regard to outcome morbidity and mortality was not statistically significant when examined at hourly intervals." [8] However, in patients with acute SDH and indications for surgery, surgical evacuation should be performed as soon as possible. [16]

Acute subdural hematoma

Craniotomy

Surgery to manage an acute SDH usually consists of a large craniotomy (centered over the thickest portion of the clot) to decompress the brain; to stop any active subdural bleeding; and, if indicated, to evacuate intraparenchymal hematoma in the immediate vicinity of the acute SDH. An SDH usually has a consistency that is too firm to allow removal through burr holes alone.

Including the sylvian fissure in the craniotomy exposure should be considered, as this is a likely location of a ruptured cortical vessel. If brain injury and edema are associated with the SDH, an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor may have to be placed. Bullock et al stated that "all patients with acute SDH in coma (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score less than 9) should undergo intracranial pressure monitoring." [16, 19]

A minicraniotomy is an option that may of particular relvance in elderly patients. [20, 21]

Craniectomy

Craniectomy (ie, the removal of the bone plate or flap) is also sometimes required, as when increased ICP is present or anticipated. Different methods for storing the bone flap for possible later replacement exist.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at comparing craniotomy with decompressive craniectomy for acute SDH, Phan et al found that although craniectomy was associated with a worse clinical presentation and a poorer postoperative outcome, it was also associated with a lower rate of residual SDH after treatment. [22]

Endoscopy

Endoscopic surgical approaches to acute SDH have been described, with particular reference to elderly patients. [23, 24, 25]

Chronic subdural hematoma

Trephination

Liquefied SDHs are commonly treated with drainage through one or two burr holes placed over the thickest aspects of the hematoma. Many surgeons place frontal and parietal burr holes that later can be incorporated into a frontotemporoparietal craniotomy, if needed.

The dura is opened in a cruciate fashion, and the dural leaves are coagulated.

A thin rubber catheter, often a ventriculostomy catheter, is carefully placed in the subdural space. Residual SDH is gently irrigated with saline solution until the irrigant is clear. The rubber catheter is redirected to different areas of the subdural space to irrigate the hematoma.

Often, the brain does not reexpand right away. In these circumstances, the rubber catheter may be tunneled under the skin and left as a subdural drain. It is then connected to a closed drainage system placed at the level of the ear or slightly lower. A closed drainage system may be left in the subdural space for 24-72 hours postoperatively.

Santarius et al found that placement of drains after drainage of chronic SDHs reduces recurrence and improves clinical outcome. [26] Their randomized controlled trial in 269 adult patients with a chronic SDH for burr-hole drainage was stopped early because of a significant benefit in reduction of recurrence with drain placement. Hematomas recurred in 10 of 108 (9.3%) patients with a drain compared with 26 of 107 (24%) patients without a drain. At 6 months, mortality was 8.6% in treated patients and 18.1% in controls.

Bilateral chronic SDHs (see the image below) may require drainage from both sides, usually during the same operation by means of burr holes placed on each side of the head. However, the recurrence rate of chronic hematoma after surgical evacuation remains at least 30%, and use of glucocorticoids to lower the incidence of this complication remains controversial despite a long history. [27] A multicenter phase III trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of dexamethasone for reducing the reoperation rate of chronic SDH is the DRESH study, which was ongoing as of June 2022. [27]

Chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) are commonly bil Chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) are commonly bilateral and have areas of acute bleeding, which result in heterogeneous densities. Note lack of midline shift due to presence of bilateral hematomas.

A study from China found that subdural instillation of urokinase was safe and effective in reducing recurrence after burr-hole drainage of chronic SDH. [28]  Urokinase is currently unavailable in the United States.

Twist-drill craniostomy

Drainage via twist-drill craniostomy at the bedside has also been described. [29, 30, 31]

For twist-drill craniostomy, a hole is drilled at a 45° angle to the skull over the thickest part of the hematoma (unless this lies over the motor strip). The twist drill is used to perforate the dura and to release the subdural hematoma.

A thin rubber catheter is gently guided into the subdural space, tunneled under the scalp, and brought out through a stab incision. It is connected to a closed drainage system that is set at the level of the ear or slightly below the craniostomy.

Hwang et al evaluated external carotid angiograms and skull radiographs to develop an optimal entry point for twist-drill craniostomy. After finding that all branches of the middle meningeal artery and vascular grooves were located posterior to the coronal suture, they determined that the optimal entry point should be 1 cm anterior to the coronal suture at the level of the superior temporal line. [32]

In the mid-2000s, the Subdural Evacuating Port System (SEPS) was introduced, with initial encouraging results. [33] In 2010, Kenning et al found not only that SEPS was safe and effective in the treatment of subacute and chronic SDHs but also that it would be ideal for patients unable to tolerate general anesthesia (eg, elderly, sick patients). [34] In addition, SEPS was more effective in draining SDHs that were hypodense on CT than it was in evacuating mixed-density SDHs. Although one patient required urgent surgical subdural collection evacuation following iatrogenic injury, significant bleeding was uncommon with SEPS insertion.

Rughani et al reported that SEPS treatment for chronic SDH had similar efficacy and safety similar to those of other twist-drill methods, and its efficacy was also statistically similar to trephination (burr hole), as measured by radiographic worsening or for need for another procedure. [35] There was a trend toward higher recurrence with SEPS, but there was no difference in mortality or other adverse outcomes.

In a single-center retrospective study that included 66 patients with nonacute SDH, Ortiz et al compared subdural drains (n = 41) with SEPS (n = 25) with regard to need for second bedside procedure, need for craniotomy, complication rate, and other outcomes. [36]  Complication rates were similar in the two groups, as were symptom resolution, condition at latest follow-up, and posthospital disposition; however, SEPS was associated with longer intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays.

Craniotomy

Under certain circumstances, craniotomy is recommended for chronic SDH, depending on factors such as recurrence, the consistency of the hematoma, and the presence of membranes. In a multicenter study (N = 1003) comparing burr-hole craniostomy and active drainage (n = 560) with minicraniostomy and passive drainage (n = 443) in patients with chronic SDH, Zolfaghari et al found that the two techniques were comparable in terms of 30-day mortality and recurrence but that minicraniotomy was significantly associated with medical complications and serious surgical postoperative complications. [37]

Endoscopy

A propsective study by Yadav et al (N = 68; 72 hematomas) found endoscopy to be a potentially effective alternative for management of chronic SDH. [38]

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Surgical Management

In general, a poor preoperative neurologic status in a patient with acute or chronic SDH may be a harbinger of a poor outcome.

Preparation for surgery

Phenytoin is administered to decrease the risk of developing early posttraumatic seizures (within the first 7 days after the injury). [39] Patients have an estimated risk of greater than 20% for developing posttraumatic epilepsy after an acute SDH. Whether this risk is modifiable with prophylactic anticonvulsants remains debatable.

Operative details

The patient is positioned supine with the head turned to the appropriate side. A shoulder roll is placed to help prevent jugular vein kinking. A three-point head fixation device should be used in patients with an unstable cervical spine fracture.

The whole head is shaved to facilitate placement of an intracranial pressure monitor on the contralateral side, if desired. Infiltrating the scalp with 1% lidocaine (with 1:100,000 epinephrine) is unnecessary, but the short time taken to do this may hasten hemostasis.

The standard reverse question mark incision provides wide access to the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions. The incision is started at the level of the zygoma within 1 cm anterior to the tragus. This allows for full temporal access and minimizes the possibility of injuring the anterior branch of the facial nerve. The incision is carried down to the bone and through the temporalis muscle; Raney clips are used to maintain hemostasis.

The periosteum and the temporalis are then reflected with a periosteal elevator. The initial burr hole is made over the zygoma.

The dura is opened, and the clot is removed with gentle suction and irrigation. The initial burr hole allows for early subtemporal decompression to forestall or ameliorate uncal herniation; it may be made before opening the entire incision. Additional burr holes are placed at the perimeter of the exposure, as needed, to facilitate turning the bone flap with a craniotome.

The dura is opened in a cruciate fashion with a flap based on the sagittal sinus (see the image below). The remainder of the clot is removed with biopsy forceps, irrigation, and suction.

Acute subdural hematoma is shown in this intraoper Acute subdural hematoma is shown in this intraoperative photograph. Note frontotemporoparietal flap used. Hematoma is currant jelly–like in appearance.

Bipolar electrocautery, gel foam, and absorbable cellulose (eg, Surgicel) are used to achieve hemostasis.

If substantial brain swelling develops, a dural augmentation patch graft is placed, and the bone flap and overlying temporalis fascia are closed loosely.

Subdural drains, subgaleal drains, or both may be placed, if needed, and the wound is closed. Placement of subdural drains after burr-hole evacuation of chronic SDH has been found to reduce recurrence, improve outcomes, and facilitate postoperative imaging. [40]

The standard trauma craniotomy flap, which was developed at the dawn of the CT era, exposes most acute traumatic SDHs. However, the rapid CT scanners currently available almost always elucidate the SDH's location preoperatively. Therefore, linear incisions have become an effective surgical option in trauma cases.

Linear incisions may offer advantages over the standard reverse question mark incision. Because they are shorter for a given-size bone flap and less time is spent controlling bleeding, linear incisions reduce surgical time. They may be extended easily across the midline to control bleeding from a distant, intraoperatively identified source.

Linear incisions also eliminate issues regarding a vascular pedicle. If the cerebellar retractors used to keep the incision open are placed in a crossed axis configuration (ie, to maintain a hexagonal opening), Raney clips may be unnecessary.

Exploratory burr holes are rarely indicated but sometimes may be used as life-saving measures. Patients with head injury can be rapidly triaged and evacuated to trauma centers that have CT scanners, making exploratory burr holes a thing of the past. However, burr holes can be used for emergency decompression in patients who show signs of rapid herniation if circumstances prevent access to radiographic studies.

Acute traumatic SDHs are often associated with acute brain swelling. Ironically, rapid decompression of acute traumatic SDHs via craniotomy in these patients may potentiate damage to the brain by allowing it to herniate through the craniotomy defect.

A novel method of decompression was devised to prevent the brain from extruding through the craniotomy defect. This entails proceeding with the standard trauma craniotomy exposure but fenestrating the dura in a meshlike fashion rather than opening it. The clot can then be removed through the small dural openings. [41]

In a series of 31 patients operated on in this manner, more than 80% of the clot was removed in 29 patients as demonstrated by CT. Eighty seven percent of patients had presented with a GCS score of 8 or lower, and the mortality for that series of patients was 52%.

When an acute subdural collection is evacuated, intraoperative ultrasonography (US) may be helpful for locating intraparenchymal clots, which also may require evacuation, depending on the risks and benefits involved.

Perioperative antibiotics may be administered to decrease the risk of postoperative infection.

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Postoperative Care

At one time, laying the patient flat postoperatively was believed to promote brain reexpansion. However, Miele et al found that hematoma recurrence and complication rate appeared to be unaffected by keeping a patient flat in bed or raising the head of the bed to 30º. [42]

Postoperative CT scans often show a residual subdural fluid collection. This usually should be left alone, unless it continues to exert significant mass effect.

Elevated ICP postoperatively indicates a poor prognosis and may indicate the severity of the underlying brain injury (eg, trauma, secondary infarction).

Acute subdural hematoma

After the evacuation of an acute SDH, medical treatment is aimed at keeping the ICP below 20 mm Hg and maintaining the cerebral perfusion pressure above 60-70 mm Hg. If elevated ICP is an issue postoperatively, an urgent CT scan should be obtained to look for a new intracranial mass lesion or reaccumulation of the SDH (see the image below).

Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) as complication of c Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) as complication of craniotomy. Note significant mass effect with midline shift.

Serial neurologic examinations are used to determine the patient's subsequent clinical course (ie, stable, improving, or deteriorating). Depending on the severity of the neurologic injury, patients may require physical therapy, occupational therapy, long-term rehabilitation, or even nursing-home placement.

A follow-up CT scan is usually obtained within 24 hours of acute subdural collection removal and as needed to monitor for residual hematoma and recurrence. Although CT alone is usually sufficient for short-term management, MRI of the brain is sometimes performed (after a patient is stabilized) to look for associated brain injuries.

Serial imaging studies may be necessary to confirm that the acute SDH has fully resolved; a residual hematoma could become a symptomatic chronic subdural collection. This transformation can occur regardless of whether the hematoma has been managed surgically or conservatively.

Postoperative coagulation studies (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]) and platelet counts should be observed closely; when possible, adjustments should be made to lessen the risk of additional bleeding.

Chronic subdural hematoma

After the evacuation of a chronic SDH, adequate patient hydration is needed to help reexpand the brain. In addition, the patient may be maintained on bed rest; this has commonly involved keeping the head of the bed flat to aid brain reexpansion by increasing the intracranial venous pressure, but as noted (see above), many now feel that doing so may not afford a practical advantage.

As with acute SDH, serial neurologic examinations are used and coagulation parameters may need to be followed. Serial CT scans are used to document the resolution of the chronic subdural collection.

Depending on the patient, physical therapy, occupational therapy, long-term rehabilitation, or even nursing home placement may be needed.

For patients who were on anticoagulation therapy preoperatively, no solution is perfect regarding when to restart anticoagulation therapy. The risks and benefits of anticoagulation must be weighed against the risks of rebleeding to determine when to restart therapy.

The mortality for chronic SDH within 30 days of surgery is 3.2-6.5%.

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Complications

Acute subdural hematoma

Parenchymal brain injury is commonly associated with acute SDH and can lead to increased ICP. Residual neurologic problems, as well as secondary events, can result from these associated injuries.

As with every medical condition and treatment, inherent risks exist. Postoperatively, recurrent or residual hematoma might be present, which, if symptomatic, may necessitate repeat operative intervention. As many as one third of patients experiences posttraumatic seizures after a severe head injury. Wound infection and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are possible after craniotomy. Meningitis or cerebral abscess can occur after any intracranial procedure, and constitutional signs of infection, delayed neurologic deterioration, or signs of meningeal irritation may necessitate further evaluation.

A long list of potential complications may also be related to anesthesia and hospitalization but are not discussed here.

Chronic subdural hematoma

Among patients with chronic SDH who underwent surgical drainage, 5.4-19% experience medical or surgical complications. Medical complications, including seizures, pneumonia, empyema, and other infections, occur in 16.9% of cases. Surgical complications, including acute subdural collection formation, intraparenchymal hematoma, or tension pneumocephalus, occur in 2.3% of cases.

Following surgery for chronic SDH, even with normalization of ICP, a persistent space may exist between the brain and dura (see the image below), because the brain may not expand to fill this space. Residual hematoma has been found on 92% of postoperative CT scans within 4 days of operation; however, clinical improvement may proceed regardless of the size of this collection.

Atrophy of brain, resulting in space between brain Atrophy of brain, resulting in space between brain surface and skull, increases risk of subdural hematoma (SDH).

Reoperation rates for reaccumulation of hematoma have been reported to be in the range of 12-22%. When burr-hole drainage was compared with craniotomy drainage, similar reoperation rates (18.5% and 12.5%, respectively) were found. [43] However, the total number of craniotomies performed in this series was small. Of the patients who require a second operation to drain a reaccumulated hematoma, 26.6% (four patients) required a third procedure to drain reaccumulated hematoma; two of these four patients who underwent three operations developed subdural empyema.

In another series, contralateral hematomas formed in 4% of patients who underwent drainage of unilateral chronic subdural collections. [44] These occurred from 3 days to 6 weeks postoperatively.

Postoperative seizures have been reported in 3-10% of patients. Whether prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy can decrease this risk is debatable. Subdural empyema, brain abscess, and meningitis have been reported to occur in fewer than 1% of patients after operative drainage of a chronic SDH. In these patients, numerous potential complications are also related to anesthesia, hospitalization, patient age, and concurrent medical conditions.

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