Endoscopic Hematoma Evacuation for Acute Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly: A Preliminary Study

Endoscopic surgery for acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) has recently been performed in elderly patients. Unlike other reported procedures, we used the endoscope's fixation device to ensure hemostasis because the surgeon can then use a surgical instrument with each hand. To date, there have no reports that prove lesser invasiveness or noninferiority of endoscopic surgery based on direct comparison with a large craniotomy. In this study, we investigated whether our endoscopic procedure was effective and safe.

We performed 6 cases of endoscopic surgical procedures in elderly patients over the past year. First, our surgical outcomes were evaluated. Second, the outcomes were compared between our endoscopic surgery and our large craniotomy procedures. Third, the outcomes were compared between our endoscopic surgery and other reported endoscopic surgeries.

The outcomes of our endoscopic surgery were generally satisfactory without complications or rebleeding. Mean hematoma evacuation percentage was 91.6 ± 4%. Compared with a large craniotomy, operative time was significantly shorter ( P = .01), and the hospital costs were significantly less for endoscopic surgery ( P = .008). There was no inferiority of outcomes when compared with other reported endoscopic surgeries.

Our surgical procedure is safe and effective when performed with strict operative indications. Endoscopic surgery for ASDH in elderly adults may be an alternative to a large craniotomy in simple-type hematomas.