| The Usefulness of Simple Skull X-Ray after Burr Hole Trephination for Chronic Subdural Hematoma |
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Young Taek Jung , Jin Wook Baek , Sang Pyung Lee |
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Department of Neurosurgery, Cheju Halla General Hospital, Jeju-do, Korea |
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| Abstract |
Objective
In the performance of burr hole trephination as a treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), the routine insertion of drainage catheter improves surgical outcome and lowers recurrence rate. Depending on the volume of drained hematoma or the postoperative computed tomographic (CT) findings, the drainage catheter should be removed within several days. A supplementary method could be implemented for the evaluation of postoperative radiologic status and the determination of timely catheter removal.
Methods
This retrospective study included 36 consecutive patients who underwent surgical evacuation for CSDH at this institution. For each patient, a CT scan of the brain was performed immediately after surgery, followed by another brain CT 2 to 5 days after surgery. Skull X-rays were also performed at the same time to compare the results of the brain CT images.
Results
The change of mean thickness of hematoma between the X-ray image taken immediately after surgery and the X-ray image taken 2 to 5 days after surgery (follow up) was measured; the change of mean thickness of hematoma between the CT images taken immediately after surgery and the CT images taken 2 to 5 days after surgery (follow up) was also measured. There was no statistical difference between CT and X-ray. Thus, with a simple X-ray, the extent of hematoma decrease could be estimated.
Conclusion
Owing to simplicity, cost-effectiveness and convenience, a simple skull X-ray can be a supplementary diagnostic tool to follow up on CSDH with a drainage catheter. |
| Key Words:
HematomaㆍSubduralㆍChronicㆍX-raysㆍTrephination |
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