Endoscopic Assisted Microscopic Fenestration of Inner Membrane in Cases of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Introduction: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common types of intracranial hemorrhages and carries a significant morbidity;there is no clear optimal treatment. Recurrence, pneumocephaly and seizures are common complications. We will evaluate outcome after inner membrane fenestration in comparison to burr-hole evacuation only in cases of CSDH. Patients and Methods: Our work was conducted on 20 patients with CSDH from February 2017 to July 2017. Endoscopic-assisted microscopic fenestration technique was used to do inner membrane fenestration in ten patients and the other 10 patients operated upon by traditional burr-hole evacuation. Regular follow up was done up to one month. Results: Clinical outcome was nearly the same in the two groups. Recurrence rate was only noted in the non-fenestration group (20%). Midline shift was better in the membrane fenestration group after one month and we experienced no intraoperative surgical complications related to the fenestration technique. Postoperative complications, such as Pneumocephalus and seizures, were seen in both study groups. Conclusion: Endoscopic assisted microscopic technique decreases surgical risks to do inner membrane fenestration although there is no major difference between doing fenestration or not in clinical outcome, but it may decrease recurrence, but larger studies are needed.

Conservative Plan for Post Traumatic Extradural Hematoma: Risk Factors Favouring Conversion to Surgery

Introduction: Extradural hematoma (EDH) is considered one of the most serious and recognized secondary insults of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We will analyse the data of cases required conversion from a conservative to a surgical management and identify the possible patient and disease related risk factors in such cases. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 90 patients with traumatic EDH, admitted to the Neurotrauma department in Cairo University hospitals from March 2014 to August 2016. Their CT scans reveal EDH alone or with associated cerebral lesions initially fitting the criteria of conservative management. Results: The commonest site is frontal in 21 patients (23.3%), followed by parietotemporal in 18 patients (20%). While Posterior fossa hematomas occurred in 3 cases, which was the least common site (3.3%). The mean size of the EDH was 17.02 ml, with a standard deviation of 6.29 ml. The minimum size was 2 ml and a maximum of 28 ml. The cut off value of the size of the hematoma requiring conversion to a surgical management was 19 ml. Conclusion: Clear indications of EDH evacuation have been well known, however studying which risk factors are more liable to convert conservative management plan to evacuation is important. Increased caution and closer monitoring are required when the size of the hematoma is >19 ml or the hematoma is overlying a venous sinus. Unlike coagulopathy which was found to be a potential risk factor, but larger number study is needed.

The Use of Hinged Craniotomy in Comparison to Cisternostomy for Avoiding Bone Flap Replacement Second Surgery in Cases of Decompressive Craniotomy in Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction: Acute post traumatic subdural hematoma is a clinical condition with increased morbidity and mortality despite the developments in neurosurgery and urgent intervention is required to have best clinical outcome. We will evaluate hinged craniotomy technique in terms of offering adequate brain decompression plus avoiding removal of bone flap which requires second replacement surgery in comparison to cisternostomy effect. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted over 30 patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma presented to neurotrauma unit in Cairo University hospitals from January 2017 to February 2018, operated by hinged craniotomy plus evacuation of hematoma and duroplasty. We avoid rapping the head with elastic bandage post-operative. Generous subcutaneous dissection (5 - 7 cm) all around skin flap was done routinely. Effect of brain decompression was evaluated by measuring the level of brain in relation to skull in post-operative computerized topography. Results: Twenty-one patients operated with initial GCS less than eight. Ten cases (33%) show that cortical surface in relation to skull bone was at inner table, nine cases (30%) at diploid layer and two cases (6.7%) at outer table in post-operative CT brain. Twenty patients died (66.7%);eight patients (26.6%) became fully conscious and two patients (6.7%) had vegetative outcome. No re-operation was done in any of our patients. Conclusion: Hinged craniotomy may be a safe and effective alternative technique with comparable results to cisternotomy in cases of traumatic brain injury that require decompression to avoid second surgery, especially in centres lacking cisternostomy experience. Although gaining cisternostomy experience may help in other indications, future prospective studies with larger number are required.

Decompressive Craniotomy and Fast-Track Duraplasty in Acute Subdural Hematomas

Background: Traumatic subdural hematoma is one of the severe injuries to brain with high mortality rates. Dural opening is often associated with brain herniation against the dural edges due to associated edema that would lead to venous infarction. Aim: The objective of this study is to describe a technical note that would allow fast and effective closure of the dura after hematoma evacuation via duraplasty with analysis of the safety and competency of the technique. Subjects and Methods: The fast-track technique was implemented in 15 successive cases with acute subdural hematoma where the fascia lata flap was prepared and sutured to the planned dural incision before opening the dura, which allowed fast and effective closure of the dura before brain herniation. Subdural bridges were planned by using Gelfoam to prevent venous compression. Analysis of the technique effectiveness was performed by the operative detection of brain herniation, as well as clinical and radiological follow-up of patients. Results: All patients had a Glasgow coma score (GCS) below six before the operation. Mean time from trauma to surgery was five hours. The dura could be effectively closed with no brain herniation in all cases. Nine patients survived (60%), where five of them ended up in a vegetative state. Of these two recovered and three continued in a persistent vegetative state. The mortality rate was 40%. Post-operative infarction was detected in post-operative imaging of four patients. Conclusion: The fast-track duraplasty technique is fast and effective in prevention of brain herniation during surgery with favorable clinical outcome in comparison with the poor and severely deteriorated preoperative clinical presentation. More studies to evaluate the impact of the technique on the survival rate are warranted.

Head Trauma in Infants: Experience of a High Flow Tertiary Hospital in a Developing Country

Background and Objective: Head trauma in infants is a common health problem that has not been the focus of many research articles. The aim of study was to describe the epidemiology, etiology, management and clinical outcome of head trauma in infants (<2 years) in a high flow tertiary hospital. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 95 consecutive infants with head trauma admitted to the neurotrauma unit in Cairo University hospitals during the period between September 2013 and December 2014. The data of these patients including age, sex, mode of trauma, neurological status on admission, CT findings, operative details in surgical cases, clinical outcome, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results: The study included 57 boys and 38 girls, with mean age of 13.2 months (range: 3 days - 23 months). The most common mode of trauma was falls (82.1%). Most of the patients had mild head injury (84.2%). Twenty two patients were operated upon, including 9 patients for evacuation of hematomas, 11 patients for elevation of depressed fractures, 1 patient for decompressive craniotomy and 1 patient for growing skull fracture. Good recovery followed in 83 patients. There were 4 deaths. Mean length of stay was 4 days (range: 1 - 31 days). Conclusion: Most of head injuries in infants are mild. The commonest etiology is falls, which is a preventable cause in many circumstances. The majority of these patients do not require surgical intervention. Good recovery is the rule in most of these infants with low mortality rates.