Minimally Invasive Endoscopy for Acute Subdural Hematomas: A Report of 3 Cases

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Traumatic Brain Injury Management

Background:

• Acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs) are a frequent complication of closed head injuries, contributing significantly to patient morbidity and mortality.
• Conventional craniotomy for aSDH evacuation is invasive, associated with substantial blood loss and extended recovery periods.

Observation:

• A pilot feasibility study evaluated the outcomes of minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of aSDHs.
• The study utilized the Apollo/Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device for surgical treatment.
• Data were retrospectively collected from April 2015 to July 2018.

Findings:

• The study included three patients with aSDHs.
• Median preoperative hematoma volume was 49.5 cm³, with a high median evacuation rate of 88%.
• Patients demonstrated favorable outcomes, with a median modified Rankin Scale score of 1 at discharge.

Implications:

• Endoscopic aSDH evacuation presents a potentially safer and more effective alternative to craniotomy for carefully selected patients.
• Further research is warranted to establish precise selection criteria and assess the long-term efficacy of this minimally invasive technique.