Minimally invasive craniotomy for putaminal hemorrhage using a tubular retractor: A technical note

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Cerebrovascular Surgery

Background:

• Established treatments for putaminal hemorrhage include endoscopic and stereotactic surgery.
• Facilities lacking specialized equipment often resort to conventional craniotomy.
• A tubular retractor offers a method for performing minimally invasive surgery via craniotomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of using a tubular retractor in microscopic craniotomy for treating putaminal hemorrhage.
• To demonstrate a minimally invasive approach for hematoma removal in facilities without advanced endoscopic or stereotactic equipment.

Main Methods:

• Microscopic craniotomy was performed for putaminal hemorrhage.
• A tubular retractor was inserted through a cortical incision to access the hematoma.
• Hematoma removal and hemostasis were conducted under direct visualization.

Main Results:

• The tubular retractor facilitated easy observation and removal of the hematoma.
• Minimal brain injury and no need for additional hemostasis were noted.
• Successful hematoma removal was achieved with no post-operative rebleeding.

Conclusions:

• Microscopic craniotomy with a tubular retractor provides a minimally invasive surgical option for putaminal hemorrhage.
• This technique is applicable in settings without specialized endoscopic or stereotactic surgical equipment.
• The approach allows for effective hematoma evacuation and hemostasis.