Comparison of Irrigation versus No Irrigation during Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Muzna Iftikhar, Aga Khan University
Usman Tariq Siddiqui, Aga Khan University
Mohammad Yaseen Rauf, Aga Khan University
Ali Osama Malik, Aga Khan University
Gohar Javed, Aga Khan University

Abstract

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.ObjectiveTo compare the results of the use of irrigation versus no irrigation during burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). MethodologyThe study was a retrospective chart review of those patients who underwent burr hole evacuation of CSDH during a period of 5 years. Cases were divided into two groups based on the use of irrigation during surgery. A subdural drain was placed in all patients (i.e., in both the irrigation and no-irrigation groups) and removed 24 to 48 hours postoperatively. ResultsThe total sample size was 56, of which 34 patients were in the irrigation group and 22 in the no-irrigation group. Recurrence rate was 17.6% in the irrigation group and 9.1% in the no-irrigation group (p=0.46). Systemic complications were predominantly cardiac related in the no-irrigation group compared with respiratory complications in the irrigation group. The irrigation group had a mortality rate of 5.9% compared with 4.5% in the no-irrigation group (p=0.66). ConclusionNo statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of recurrence or mortality.