RESUMEN
Background Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is predicted to become the most common intracranial neurosurgical condition by 2030. Recurrence is estimated between 5-15%, and the use of a surgical drain is associated with lower recurrence rates. The authors present their experience with six patients undergoing cSDH evacuation with an irrigating drainage system, comprising the largest single-institution group in the United States (US). Methods IRB-approved, retrospective chart review was performed for six patients who underwent irrigating surgical drain placement during cSDH evacuation. Outcome measures included device settings and duration of the irrigating drain, postoperative length of stay, neurological status at follow-up, and hematoma recurrence. Results There were no recurrences noted within this group at last follow-up, with an average follow-up length over three months. The average postoperative length of stay was 2.67 ± 0.51 days. Patients were drained on average for 1.41 ± 0.49 days at 0cm water, irrigating at 55.25 ± 46.44cc/hr. On postoperative day one, average hematoma size and midline shift (MLS) reduction were respectively 13.43 ± 3.31mm and 5.71 ± 1.33mm. No device-related complications were noted. Conclusion The authors' early experience with this irrigating drainage device demonstrates that it is safe and effective for this population. Although this is a preliminary study on a small sample size, the excellent results warrant further investigation and establishment of a standard protocol to compare against current treatment regimens.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology with a projected increase in prevalence as the elderly population grows. Traditional treatment for cSDH involves burr hole drainage or craniotomy with or without a subdural drain. This case describes a novel irrigation and drainage protocol using IRRAflow dual-lumen catheter system that utilizes early irrigation and measurement of the net fluid output to improve postoperative outcomes. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 75-yr-old male presented to the emergency department with 2 wk of progressive dizziness, headache, confusion, and left-sided weakness over the past week. Computed tomography (CT) of the head showed 25-mm-thick, right-sided cSDH with 7 mm of right-to-left midline shift. The patient was taken to the operating room for right-sided craniotomy for subdural hematoma evacuation with placement of IRRAflow irrigating drain in the subdural space. The IRRAflow drain irrigated at 100 cc/h for 23 h with net output consistently greater than irrigation rate. Head CT the following day showed a progressive decrease in subdural collection. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 and had complete resolution of his neurological symptoms by postoperative day 11. CONCLUSION: As cSDHs become more prevalent in the aging population, development of improved management strategies is imperative. This report describes the use of an IRRAflow dual-lumen catheter with a novel protocol consisting of a high rate of irrigation but net fluid output, which led to rapid recovery and resolution of neurological deficits in a patient with a cSDH.