Endoscopic Evacuation of Subdural Collections

Abstract

AIM: Intraoperative use of the endoscope is a hot topic in neurosurgery and it gives broader visualization of critical and hardly reached areas. Endoscope-assisted surgical approach to chronic subdural haematoma (SDH) is a minimally invasive technique and may give an expansion to the regular method of burr-hole haematoma drainage. MATERIAL and METHODS: Endoscope-assisted haematoma drainage with mini-craniotomy was performed over a 24-month period, and prospectively collected data is reviewed. A total of 10 procedures (8 patients) were performed using the endoscope-assisted technique. Four of them were chronic SDH and six were subacute SDH. RESULTS: Procedures were extended 20 minutes in average because of endoscopic intervention. There was no extra-morbidity through the study as a consequence of endoscopic assessment. CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted techniques can make the operation safe in selected circumstances with improved intraoperative visualization. It may likewise take into consideration the identification and destruction of neo-membranes, septums and solid clots. In addition, the source of bleeding can be easily coagulated. The endoscope-assisted techniques, with all of these features, can alter the pre- and intra-operative decision-making for selected patients.