Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation
Published on: June 10, 2020
[Postoperative course after acute traumatic subdural hematoma in the elderly. Does the extent of craniotomy influence
1Neurochirurgische Klinik, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, Ulm, Germany. chr74@gmx.de
Aim:
The goal of the study was to analyze the short-term outcome after surgical treatment of acute subdural hematomas in two treatment groups in a patient population >65 years. Whether there are disadvantages from invasive treatment or whether advantages can be achieved with the less invasive treatment has not been previously examined in a prospective study.
Methods:
A prospective, nonrandomized study of 50 patients >65 years with acute traumatic subdural hematoma was performed, comparing the short-term outcome after two different primary surgical procedures: limited craniotomy (group A, n=25) and large decompressive craniectomy (group B, n=25).
Results:
There were no differences of hematoma volume, degree of midline structure shift, and time from trauma to operation between the two groups. Initial Glasgow coma scale and short-term outcome after 4 weeks measured by the Glasgow outcome score in both groups showed no significant differences.
Conclusion:
No significant differences between short-term outcome after limited craniotomy versus large decompressive craniectomy were found for patients >65 years, and the results indicate that decompressive craniectomy can be accepted as a surgical treatment option for acute traumatic subdural hematoma even in elderly patients.
