Management of chronic subdural hematoma with the subdural evacuating port system: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) is a minimally invasive option for treating chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Individual case series have shown it to be safe and effective, but outcomes have not been systematically reviewed. We sought to review the literature in order to determine the safety and efficacy of SEPS as a first line treatment for cSDH. A comprehensive literature search for outcomes following SEPS placement as a primary treatment for cSDH was performed. The primary outcome was treatment success, which was defined as a composite of improvement in presenting symptoms and no need for further treatment in the operating room. Additional outcomes included discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hematoma recurrence, and complications. A total of 12 studies comprising 953 patients who underwent SEPS placement met the inclusion criteria. The pooled rate of a successful outcome was 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.83). Frequency of delayed hematoma recurrence was 0.15 (95% CI 0.10-0.21). The pooled inpatient mortality rate was 0.02 (95% CI 0.01-0.03). Complications rates included 0.02 (95% CI 0.00-0.03) for any acute hemorrhage, 0.01 (95% CI 0.00-0.01) for acute hemorrhage requiring surgery, and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01-0.03) for seizure. SEPS placement is associated with a success rate of 79% and very low rates of acute hemorrhage and seizure. This data supports its use as a first-line management strategy, although prospective randomized studies are needed.