Efficacy of Subperiosteal Drains in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Prospective Randomized Single-Center Study

Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) are most frequently treated by evacuation via a burr-hole craniostomy procedure. Subperiosteal drains have been introduced as alternatives to subdural ones, but only a few prospective studies have explored their efficacy. Thus, a prospective randomized trial was designed to assess their use.

The study enrolled patients with newly diagnosed surgically amenable cSDH. These patients were randomized into two groups. The first group underwent cSDH evacuation via a single burr hole craniostomy procedure, followed by placement of a subperiosteal drain; the second group underwent the identical procedure without drain placement. Patient demographics, drain volumes, duration of drainage, cSDH recurrence, and postoperative outcomes were recorded.

Eighty-eight patients presenting with cSDH (12 with bilateral cSDHs) from a total of 100 surgical cases were enrolled. Nine patients (1 bilateral) were lost to follow-up. Of all remaining 90 procedures, 37 were carried out with drain placement and the remaining 53 without drain placement. There were five recurrent cases (13.5%) in the drain placement group and 17 (32.1%) in the group without drain placement. This resulted in a statistical significance (odds ratio [OR]: 0.33; p < 0.05) favoring the use of a drain.

Subperiosteal drain placement can be used safely and effectively to treat cSDH in conjunction with a burr-hole craniostomy procedure, significantly reducing the rate of recurrence without any additional disadvantages.