OBJECTIVE:

Initial management strategies of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) are controversial, and range from bedside twist-drill or burr hole drainage, to craniotomy with membranectomy (CWM). We aim to (1) perform a meta-analysis of the available data on the outcomes of CWM for treatment of cSDH in published English-language literature, and (2) evaluate collective outcomes of CWM with respect to morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates.

METHODS:

A search of English-language literature performed in PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases using keywords (“subduralhematoma” or “chronic subdural hematoma“) and (“membrane” or “membranectomy”) from inception to December 2016 was conducted. Studies reporting outcomes of CWM in cSDH were included. Mortality, morbidity, follow-up duration, and recurrence rate data were extracted and analyzed. Pooled estimates and confidence-intervals (CIs) were calculated for all outcomes using a random-effects model.

RESULTS:

Of 301 articles found, 17 articles containing 5369 patients met our eligibility criteria. Mean follow-up duration ranged from 1-30.8 months. Collective mean mortality and morbidity rates were 3.7% and 6.9%, respectively (95% CI 2-5.4% and 2.1-11.6%; p<.001 and p=.004). The collective mean recurrence rate was 7.6% (95% CI: 5%-10.2%; p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical data on outcomes of CWM in cSDH are limited to single institutional analyses, with considerable variation in recurrence rates and follow-up time. The rates we reported are comparable to the 5% mortality and 3-12% morbidity rates, and lower than the 10-21% recurrence rate in the literature for burr holes or craniotomy without membranectomy. This meta-analysis provides an in-depth analysis of available data and reviews reported outcomes.

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