[Course after surgery of subdural hematoma in alcohol abusers]

The postoperative course and final outcome after evacuation of subdural haematoma are described in 106 male patients in relation to their alcohol consumption. One-third of the patients were alcohol abusers, drinking at least 60 g of ethanol daily. Despite comparable head trauma, they had a significantly higher incidence of acute subdural haematomas and showed increased postoperative morbidity and mortality compared to the non-alcoholics. The postoperative hospitalization costs were initially higher and the final outcome was significantly worse for the alcohol abusers.