The Effectiveness of Subdural Drains Using Urokinase after Burr Hole Evacuation of Subacute Subdural Hematoma in Elderly Patients: A Prelimilary Report.
10.13004/kjnt.2016.12.2.101
- Author:
Chang Gi YEO
1
;
Woo Yeol JEON
;
Seong Ho KIM
;
Oh Lyong KIM
;
Min Su KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. mogumns@daum.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Subdural hematoma;
Elderly patients;
Drainage;
Urokinase
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Anesthesia, Local;
Catheters;
Drainage;
Glasgow Coma Scale;
Glasgow Outcome Scale;
Hematoma;
Hematoma, Subdural*;
Humans;
Methods;
Recurrence;
Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator*
- From:Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
2016;12(2):101-106
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: A subdural drain using urokinase after a burr hole hematoma evacuation was performed for subacute subdural hematoma (SASDH), and its effectiveness and safety in elderly patients were evaluated. METHODS: Between January 2013 and May 2015, subdural drains using urokinase after burr hole hematoma evacuation were performed in 19 elderly patients. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) a subdural hematoma occurring between 4 and 20 days after injury; 2) worsening neurological symptoms, from mild to moderate or severe, due to injury during the subacute stage; 3) a mix of solid clots (high-density lighter shadow) and fluid hematoma (low-density darker shadow) on the computed tomography (CT) scan; 4) a score of ≥9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessed immediately before surgery; and 5) an age of ≥65 years. When the majority of the hematoma was evacuated on the CT, we removed the catheter. RESULTS: Under local anesthesia, a catheter was inserted into the hematoma through a burr hole. The mean age of the patients was 73.7 years (range, 65-87 years). The mean preoperative GCS score was 11.2 (range, 10-13), and the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score for all patients was 5 at discharge. No recurrences of hematomas or surgical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: A subdural drain using urokinase after burr hole hematoma evacuation under local anesthesia is thought to be an effective and safe method of blood clot removal with low morbidity. This surgical method is less invasive for treating elderly patients with SASDH.
