Craniotomy for Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Chronic subdural hematomas are commonly encountered pathologies in neurologic surgery. Primary management for a symptomatic lesion usually entails surgical intervention. There is controversy regarding ideal modality selection among twist drill craniostomy, bur hole craniostomy, and craniotomy. Variations of the craniotomy include a minicraniotomy (usually defined as 30-40 mm diameter), minicraniectomy, and with or without either a partial or full membranectomy. In addition to medical complications, potential surgical complications include recurrence, seizures, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, and infection. Prior studies are summarized as well as rates of mortality, morbidity, reaccumulation requiring repeat operation, and clinical outcomes.