Treatment of cerebellar hematoma in The Netherlands. A questionnaire survey

A questionnaire was sent to Dutch neurosurgeons and neurologists in order to assess current management strategies for cerebellar hematoma. Seven patients were presented, using as determinants: size of hematoma, coma score, interval to clinical deterioration, hydrocephalus, comorbidity, anticoagulant treatment and age. Neurological management options were: no treatment, monitoring or referral for neurosurgery. Neurosurgical options were: no treatment, monitoring, hematoma evacuation, and/or external ventricular drainage. Ninety-seven of 161 (60%) neurologists, and 58 of 85 neurosurgeons (68%) responded. Only 20 respondents (13%) made use of a local guideline. Overall agreement was perfect in 1 case and moderate to high in the others, but chance-adjusted agreement (kappa) between pairs of neurologists and neurosurgeons who were matched for referral center was not statistically significant except in 1 case, a deeply comatose patient with a 4-cm hematoma. In an alert, slightly ataxic patient with a large (4.5-cm) hematoma, 84 neurologists (88%) decided not to refer the patient. The estimated time for transfer between centers was of no influence on this decision. We conclude that the management of cerebrellar hematoma can be improved upon by encouraging the use of local guidelines, and by promoting early referral to a center with neurosurgical facilities.