OBJECTIVETo study the influence of operative timing on the prognosis of patients with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) in order to provide theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

METHODSThe clinical data of 202 patients with ASDH undergoing operations were collected, and the mortalities and functional survival rates were analyzed 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after injury.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in mortalities and functional survival rates at different operative timings. However, there was a clear trend that the shorter the operative timing was, the lower the mortality and the higher functional survival rate were. In addition, the mean time from injury to operation of non-survivors was significantly longer than that of survivors.

CONCLUSIONSOperative timing has potential influences on the prognosis of patients with ASDH. Surgical evacuation of ASDH should be performed as soon as possible once the operation indication emerges.