A simple and effective modified technique of twist drill craniostomy for bedside drainage and irrigation of chronic subdural hematoma: Technical and clinical study

Abstract

Objective: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is an important health problem observed mostly in elderly population. Here, we aimed to describe and validate a simple modified technique of twist-drill craniostomy (TDC) using easily accessible tools for effective and safe bedside CSDH drainage. Methods: A detailed description of the new modified TDC technique which allows for sequential drainage and irrigation under physiological conditions is provided. Clinical and radiological characteristics as well as surgical results of the patients undergoing this procedure are also presented. Results: A total of 55 patients (30 M, 25 F) underwent this modified TDC. Mean age was 61.7 +/- 12.3 years. Medical comorbidities were common (76.4 %). Subdural hematoma was mostly unilateral (83.6 %). Maximum width of hematoma was 21 +/- 4 mm on average (range: 9-38 mm). In total, patients underwent 1.6 +/- 0.9 subdural tappings on average (median: 1, range: 1-5). Repeat tappings were performed in 43.6 % of the patients. No mortality, serious morbidity or infectious complications were noted. Pneumocephalus was either absent or minimal in most cases (96.4 %). Mean length of hospital stay was 4.9 +/- 4.0 days (median: 3; range: 2-20 days). The clinical outcomes were favorable in 92.7 % of the patients (no craniotomy required and no symptomatic recurrence detected). Conclusion: This modified technique of TDC utilizes easily available tools, yields satisfactory radiological and clinical results, allows repeated tappings even in outpatient settings and can thus be readily applied in every neurosurgical unit across the world. It can be an effective alternative to existing procedures for patients with multiple co-morbidities and/or high anesthesia risk, in emergency conditions and busy neurosurgical centers.