OBJECTIVETo study the effect of endoscopic-assisted keyhole operation (EAKO) on treating hypertensive intracranial hematomas and the value of our patent dissector applied during the operation.

METHODSA total of 25 patients with hypertensive intracranial hematomas underwent endoscopic-assisted keyhole evacuation, during which, the viewing dissector, which had recently achieved national patent, was connected to the tip of endoscope and used to help dissect hematomas. The outcome of this procedure were compared with those of 22 comparable cases undergone conventional surgical treatment (large or smaller craniotomy). The items for comparison included the volume of remaining hematoma, the duration of operation, postsurgical Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

RESULTSRemaining hematoma was ascertained 48 h after operation with the use of computerized tomography (CT) scans. In the case of EAKO, nearly complete evacuation (> 84%) was achieved in 21 cases; GCS was evaluated at 7 d postsurgery resulting in GCS > 12 in 9 patients, GCS 9 - 12 in 12 patients and GCS < 9 in 4 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 21 mon. GOS was estimated at half a year and good recovery rate as defined by GOS was assigned to 76% of the EAKO patients. There are significant differences in the volumes of remaining hematomas and the duration of operation between the EAKO and craniotomy group (P < 0.05). In addition, better clinical outcomes were obtained in EAKO.

CONCLUSIONEAKO has the advantage of being minimally invasive, improving surgical results and the prognosis of hypertensive intracranial hematoma patients. We conclude that keyhole operation is a safe, effective alternative for removal of hypertensive intracranial hematoma, particularly during acute stages.