[Intraoperative lumbar injection of Ringer's solution for surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematomas]

A series of 64 patients underwent surgical treatment for chronic subdural hematomas between 1980 and 1989. The procedure consisted of a single burr-hole, irrigation of the hematoma without subdural drainage and lumbar intrathecal injection of Ringer's solution. Irrigation was carried out until the washing was clear and the injection was continued until the brain was in contact with the edge of the burr-hole. Excellent outcome was achieved in 53 patients (82.8% of the total). Two of the patients died, thus making a 3.1% mortality rate. Such complications as tension pneumocephalus and intracerebral hematoma were not observed and no patient had a recurrence.