Long-term external drainage for subdural collections in infants

The treatment of subdural collections in infants remains controversial. In order to evaluate the treatment guidelines that we developed on the basis of our earlier experience, we have reviewed the results obtained in 31 consecutive infants with symptomatic chronic and subacute subdural collections treated with external drainage. Using our guidelines for removal of the drains, there was only a very low rate of permanent shunting (4/31), with a low complication rate and good clinical results. However, the long period of external drainage, and therefore of hospitalization, might make if general application of these guidelines problematic.