Endoscopic Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Using a Novel Brain Retractor

Background Endoscopic procedures are useful in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), especially when there are septations, solid/organized hematoma, and the presence of bridging or neovessels in the cavity. Visualizing the distal hematoma cavity by a rigid scope is challenging in large and curved ones due to the hindrance by the brain surface. Combining rigid endoscopy and brain retractor can overcome this limitation. Methods A retrospective study of 248 patients managed by endoscopic technique was performed and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results The brain retractor was used in all patients. Average operative time, subgaleal drainage duration, and hospital stay were 56 minutes, 3.1 days, and 4.6 days respectively. The average preoperative Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was 12, which improved to 14 and 15 in 223 and 23 patients, respectively at discharge. There were solid clots, septations, bridging vessels, curved hematoma cavities, rapid expansion of the brain after partial hematoma removal, and recurrences in 59, 52, 15, 49, 19, and 2 patients, respectively. There were 2 deaths, without any procedure-related mortality. Conclusions Endoscope was very effective and safe in the management of CSDH, especially in about 51% patients of with solid clots, septations, and bridging vessels which could have been difficult to treat by conventional burr hole. It can avoid craniotomy in such patients. Good visualization and complete hematoma removal were possible with the help of an endoscope and brain retractor in about 27% of patients which could have been difficult with a rigid endoscope alone.