The Effect of Subdural Drain Placement After Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Haematomas on Recurrence: a Prospective Randomised-controlled Multi-centre Study

The Effect of Subdural Drain Placement After Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Haematomas on Recurrence: a Prospective Randomised-controlled Multi-centre Study

This is a prospective randomised-controlled multi-centre trial based in Hong Kong to determine whether temporary subdural drain placement after burr hole evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma can reduce the risk of recurrence. Consecutive patients, 60 years old or above, diagnosed to have symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma and indicated for burr hole operative drainage will be randomly allocated into one of two groups: (1) for intra-operative subdural drain placement (intervention group) or (2) not for drain placement (control group). Using web-based software block randomisation with an allocation ratio of 1:1 will be conducted. Instructions to use or not to use a drain will be contained in a sealed envelopes labelled with sequential study numbers.

Intra-operatively, if the surgeon-in-charge judges that after burr hole evacuation of the haematoma the patient's condition is unsafe for drain placement, the subject will be excluded from the study. Otherwise, randomisation will be performed at this juncture by the opening of the sealed envelop. The procedure involves placing a prefabricated silicon drain into the subdural space according to a standard protocol and will be removed on the second post-operative day at the bedside. Subjects in whom the operating surgeon judges that drain placement is unsafe will be excluded from the study. Drainage is undertaken passively by hanging the collection bag at the bedside in a dependent position. In addition to general demographic, clinical and radiological presentation data, potential risk factors for recurrence will be documented. Serial computed tomography brain scans will be arranged (before discharge, at four weeks and six months) and the occurence of significant subdural haematoma recurrence requiring repeat operative drainage at six months will be recorded. Other outcome measures to be determined at regular time intervals for a total follow-up period of six months (upon discharge, at four weeks and six months) include: functional performance in terms of the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and modified Rankin Scale, added neurological deficit, death and other surgery-related complications. All outcomes will be documented by the trial investigators or by the responsible clinician. The data obtained will be analysed according to the principle of intention to treat.

Hypothesis: compared to burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma alone (control), the additional placement of a subdural drain after evacuation (intervention) will reduce the risk of recurrence requiring repeat surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients diagnosed to have symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma confirmed by a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging brain scan.
2. Ethnic Chinese
3. Age >/= 60 years-old
4. Reasonable expectation of completion of outcome measures at follow-up
5. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unsalvageable patients: fixed and dilated pupils after resuscitation or signs of brainstem herniation that precludes definitive therapy.

2. When the operating surgeon judges that drain placement may be hazardous or to be of limited benefit e.g. readily expanded brain in young patients.

3. History of previous cranial neurosurgical procedure.

4. On concurrent glucocorticoid therapy.

5. Suspected intracranial hypotension syndrome.

6. Blood dyscrasia:

   1. Use of antiplatelet medication e.g. aspirin or warfarin without adequate reversal or observation for drug effect to wear off (at least 5-7 days).
   2. Thrombocytopenia: platelet level <100 x 109/l
   3. Coagulopathy: prothrombin time PT >12sec or, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) >37.4 sec

7. End-stage renal/ hepatic failure.

8. Known or strong suspicion of alcohol or illicit drug abuse.

9. Pregnancy

10. Known epilepsy

11. Any neurological or non-neurological condition independent from SAH that might influence the functional outcome or other efficacy outcome measures