Risk of Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematomas After Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH) is a common condition in the elderly population. Recurrence rates after surgical evacuation range from 5 to 30%. Factors predicting recurrence remain debated and unclear. Objective: To identify factors associated with increased risk of recurrence. Methods: Cases of CSDHs that underwent surgical treatment between 2005 and 2018 in the Neurosurgery Units of two major Italian hospitals were reviewed. Data extracted from a prospectively maintained database included demographics, laterality, antithrombotic therapy, history of trauma, corticosteroid therapy, preoperative and postoperative symptoms, type of surgical intervention, use of surgical drain, and clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 1313 patients was analyzed. The overall recurrence rate was 10.1%. The risk of recurrence was not significantly different between patients with unilateral or bilateral CSDH (10.4 vs. 8.8%, p = 0.39). The risk of recurrence was higher in patients that underwent surgical procedure without postoperative drainage (16.1 vs. 5.4%, p < 0.01). No relationship was found between recurrence rates and therapy with antithrombotic drugs (p = 0.97). The risk of recurrence was increasingly higher considering craniostomy, craniectomy, and craniotomy (9.3, 11.3, and 18.9%, respectively, p = 0.013). Lower recurrence rates following Dexamethasone therapy were recorded (p = 0.013). Conclusion: No association was found between the risk of recurrence of CSDH after surgical evacuation and age, use of antithrombotic medication, or laterality. Burr-hole craniostomy was found to be associated with lower recurrence rates, when compared to other surgical procedures. Placement of surgical drain and Dexamethasone therapy were significantly associated with reduced risk of recurrence of CSDHs.

Keywords: chronic subdural hematoma; corticosteroids; craniostomy; drain; recurrence.

Figure 1

(A) Placement of surgical drain and risk of recurrence; (B) Operation type and risk of recurrence; (C) Corticosteroid therapy and risk of recurrence.

Figure 2

(A) Cognitive Impairment and risk of recurrence (the percentages concern the specific subgroup of patients who presented cognitive impairment in the preoperative period). (B) Recurrence and mortality. The percentages, namely the fatality rate, is significantly higher in patients who experienced a recurrence of CSDH. (C) ANOVA Repeated Measures analysis demonstrating the better outcomes (as measured with Markwalder scale) of patients with history of anticoagulant intake undergoing a postoperative corticosteroid therapy.