Evaluating the Frequency of Neurological Improvement in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Patients Treated With Single Burr Hole Surgery in Foley Catheter Drainage

Abstract

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a widely prevalent condition in the elderly that frequently necessitates surgical intervention.

Objectives: This investigation assessed the safety and efficacy of Foley catheter placement in conjunction with single burr hole surgery for the treatment of CSDH.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was performed on 25 patients diagnosed with CSDH and treated at Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, between April 2023 and June 2024. Each patient underwent a single burr hole craniostomy, which was followed by subdural drainage with a Foley catheter. Demographic information, complications, pre- and postoperative neurological status and follow-up outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results: Total patients were 25, among them 13 were males and 12 were females, with an age range of 50 to 85 years. In 85% of patients (21), neurological function improved postoperatively, with the median Glasgow Coma Scale score increased from 13 preoperatively to 15 postoperatively (p<0.05). In four cases (16%), complications were documented, including three instances of catheter penetration and one recurrence of hematoma. The overall complication rate was notably low at 16% and no significant adverse events resulted in mortality. The median follow-up period was three months and the median duration of catheter drainage was three days. Conclusion: The low incidence of complications and high rate of neurological improvement indicated that single burr hole surgery with Foley catheter placement is a safe and efficacious procedure for managing CSDH.