Subdural haematomas in the elderly: experience with treatment by trephine craniotomy and not closing the dura or replacing the bone plate

Abstract

A surgical technique was devised to treat chronic subdural haematomas (SDH) in elderly patients. Initial good results encouraged the author to use this technique in elderly patients with acute SDH. This small group is also reported. The goal was to do definitive, not expectant or incremental surgery on these fragile patients who have a high incidence of co-morbid conditions and cerebral atrophy, and to obliterate the subdural space by allowing the skin to sink into the cranial defect. The surgical technique consists of trephine craniotomy and not closing the dura or replacing the bone plate. Experience with six elderly patients with acute SDH and 23 patients with chronic SDH is reported. Of six patients with acute SDH, mean age 80 years, 2 months, three died, all with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) less than 9. Three recovered to preoperative status, one with initial GCS of 7 and the other of 8. Of 23 patients with chronic SDH, mean age 77 years, 21 recovered to preoperative status. The two deaths were in patients with GSC of 5 and 7. There were no recurrent SDH or postoperative surgical or cosmetic complications. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. These excellent results suggest that the procedure could be considered as a first procedure in the elderly patient. At first glance, the operation appears to be overly aggressive, but it is an example of 'aggressive-conservative' treatment which produces good long-term results with few complications and no need for second operations.