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CompletedNCT06337851Updated Mar 29, 2024

Comparing Simultaneous and Consecutive Drainage of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma

An interventional study of Simultaneous burr hole craniostomy and Consecutive burr hole craniostomy in Subdural Hematoma, Chronic, sponsored by Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-03-29.

Sponsored by Ataturk Training and Research Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 20 years 2 months after the study started (first participant enrolled Nov 2003, registered Jan 2024).
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
43
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Surgical evacuation CSDH via burr hole craniostomy appears to be the most widely practiced treatment technique worldwide and outcomes are generally favorable.

In previous reports, bilateral CSDH was raised as a predictor of rapid deterioration and worse outcomes attributable to brain herniation, in comparison with unilateral ones. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical considerations in bilateral CSDH still remain controversial. Thus, this study principally aims to finding out whether consecutive removal of bilateral CSDH really poses a complication risk. The secondary objectives of the study were to obtain information about the one-year prognosis of bilateral CSDH and to find factors that affect the prognosis, if any.

Inclusion criteria Symptomatic adult (≥18 years-old) patients with bilateral hemispheric CSDH

Exclusion criteria Patients with hematoma thickness smaller than 10 mm on either side, and those who previously underwent any cranial surgery

Randomization Simple randomization, without blocking, will be used to divide patients into two groups simultaneous burr hole craniostomy (Group-1) and consecutive burr hole craniostomy (Group-2).

Clinical Evaluation Neurological examination and scoring systems (Glasgow coma scale and Markwalder Grading) will be used.

Radiological Evaluation Radiological evaluations will be made with CT and MR imaging.

Operation Patients in group-1 were fixed in supine position with their heads in neutral and flexion position. Bilateral burr holes were made one after another, the dural surfaces were exposed at the same time, then the outer membranes of both sides opened and hematomas evacuated simultaneously. All the patients underwent a drainage system, performed with the insertion of a silicone tube into the subdural space and tunneled under the scalp to the exit point. In group-2, hematoma with a greater thickness was removed first (if thickness was equal on both sides, first incision was made on the right side). The head in supine position was rotated to the side with a smaller hemorrhage thickness. Previously, burr holes were made, the dural surfaces were exposed, the outer membrane opened, and the hematoma was evacuated at one side. Then, drainage system inserted into the subdural space. After the procedure of the first side was completed, as a consecutive process, the head was rotated to the other side, and the same procedure was repeated. The contralateral hematoma was evacuated.

Follow-Up Depending on the subdural fluid collected, all drains will be removed within post-operative 36-48 hours.

Only the patients with epileptic history and on epileptic medication will receive postoperative antiepileptics.

In the postoperative period, a comprehensive evaluation encompassing neurological examinations and CT imaging will be performed.

This evaluation protocol will be executed immediately following the surgical procedure, after the removal of surgical drains (usually on the second postoperative day), and at designated intervals of the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months to monitor patient progress and recovery.

Read the detailed description

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) arises at the dural border cell layer and is characterized by a pathological collection of blood, fibrin, and degradation products between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater with an insidious onset and progression. Surgical evacuation CSDH via burr hole craniostomy appears to be the most widely practiced treatment technique worldwide and outcomes are generally favorable.Although unilateral CSDH is seen in the majority of patients, bilateral involvement is not rare in neurosurgical practices.

In previous reports, bilateral CSDH was raised as a predictor of rapid deterioration and worse outcomes attributable to brain herniation, in comparison with unilateral ones. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical considerations in bilateral CSDH still remain controversial. Thus, this study principally aims to finding out whether consecutive removal of bilateral CSDH really poses a complication risk. The secondary objectives of the study were to obtain information about the one-year prognosis of bilateral CSDH and to find factors that affect the prognosis, if any.

The study is conducted as a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion criteria Symptomatic adult (≥18 years-old) patients with bilateral hemispheric CSDH

Exclusion criteria Patients with hematoma thickness smaller than 10 mm on either side, and those who previously underwent any cranial surgery will be excluded.

Randomization Simple randomization, without blocking, will be used to divide patients into two groups simultaneous burr hole craniostomy (Group-1) and consecutive burr hole craniostomy (Group-2). Written consent will be taken from each patient and/or patient's relatives for the surgery and the use of data for this study.

Clinical Evaluation Neurological examination and scoring systems (Glasgow coma scale and Markwalder Grading) will be used.

Radiological Evaluation Radiological evaluations will be made with CT and MR imaging.

Operation The patients were operated on either under general or local anesthesia based on the recommendations of anesthesiologists and the patient's general medical status. First-generation cephalosporins were used as preoperative prophylactic antibiotics (cefazolin). Patients in group-1 were fixed in supine position with their heads in neutral and flexion position. Bilateral burr holes were made one after another, the dural surfaces were exposed at the same time, then the outer membranes of both sides opened and hematomas evacuated simultaneously. All the patients underwent a drainage system, performed with the insertion of a silicone tube into the subdural space and tunneled under the scalp to the exit point. In group-2, hematoma with a greater thickness was removed first (if thickness was equal on both sides, first incision was made on the right side). The head in supine position was rotated to the side with a smaller hemorrhage thickness. Previously, burr holes were made, the dural surfaces were exposed, the outer membrane opened, and the hematoma was evacuated at one side. Then, drainage system inserted into the subdural space. After the procedure of the first side was completed, as a consecutive process, the head was rotated to the other side, and the same procedure was repeated. The contralateral hematoma was evacuated. 12-gauge soft drainage sets with secretion bags were used for postoperative drainage in both groups.

Follow-Up Depending on the subdural fluid collected, all drains will be removed within post-operative 36-48 hours.

Only the patients with epileptic history and on epileptic medication will receive postoperative antiepileptics.

In the postoperative period, a comprehensive evaluation encompassing neurological examinations and CT imaging will be performed.

This evaluation protocol will be executed immediately following the surgical procedure, after the removal of surgical drains (usually on the second postoperative day), and at designated intervals of the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months to monitor patient progress and recovery.

02

Conditions studied

  • Subdural Hematoma, Chronic

Keywords

  • Drainage
  • Chronic Subdural Hematoma
  • Consecutive
  • Simultaneous
03

In context

Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic

112 studies on the registry are indexed under Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic; 49 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 43 is below the median of 185 across 86 interventional studies indexed under Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic.

Browse Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic studies →

Lead sponsor

Ataturk Training and Research Hospital is the lead sponsor of 24 studies on the registry; 1 is open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Symptomatic bilateral hemispheric CSDH

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Hematoma thickness smaller than 10 mm on either side
  • Previously underwent any cranial surgery
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
43 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Simultaneous burr hole craniostomy (Group-1)

    Patients in group-1 were fixed in supine position with their heads in neutral and flexion position. Bilateral burr holes were made one after another, the dural surfaces were exposed at the same time, then the outer membranes of both sides opened and hematomas evacuated simultaneously. All the patients underwent a drainage system, performed with the insertion of a silicone tube into the subdural space and tunneled under the scalp to the exit point.

    Other: Simultaneous burr hole craniostomy

  • Active comparator
    Consecutive burr hole craniostomy (Group-2)

    In group-2, hematoma with a greater thickness was removed first (if thickness was equal on both sides, first incision was made on the right side). The head in supine position was rotated to the side with a smaller hemorrhage thickness. Previously, burr holes were made, the dural surfaces were exposed, the outer membrane opened, and the hematoma was evacuated at one side. Then, drainage system inserted into the subdural space. After the procedure of the first side was completed, as a consecutive process, the head was rotated to the other side, and the same procedure was repeated.

    Other: Consecutive burr hole craniostomy

Interventions

  • OtherSimultaneous burr hole craniostomy

    Patients in group-1 were fixed in supine position with their heads in neutral and flexion position. Bilateral burr holes were made one after another, the dural surfaces were exposed at the same time, then the outer membranes of both sides opened and hematomas evacuated simultaneously. All the patients underwent a drainage system, performed with the insertion of a silicone tube into the subdural space and tunneled under the scalp to the exit point.

  • OtherConsecutive burr hole craniostomy

    In group-2, hematoma with a greater thickness was removed first (if thickness was equal on both sides, first incision was made on the right side). The head in supine position was rotated to the side with a smaller hemorrhage thickness. Previously, burr holes were made, the dural surfaces were exposed, the outer membrane opened, and the hematoma was evacuated at one side. Then, drainage system inserted into the subdural space. After the procedure of the first side was completed, as a consecutive process, the head was rotated to the other side, and the same procedure was repeated. The contralateral hematoma was evacuated.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. The Primary Outcome: Mortality

    As the Primary Outcome, we considered the success of the operation at the end of the 12-month control period (we considered patients who died or were reoperated as unsuccessful).

    Time frame: Postoperative first 12 months

  2. The Primary Outcome: Early Postoperative Success Rate (Redo Surgery)

    As the Primary Outcome, we considered the success of the operation at the end of the 12-month control period (we considered patients who died or were reoperated as unsuccessful).

    Time frame: Postoperative first 12 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Age)

    The impact of age on the one-year prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma was assessed.

    Time frame: One-year

  2. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Sex)

    The impact of sex on the one-year prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma was assessed.

    Time frame: One-year

  3. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Trauma-Relation)

    The impact of trauma-relation on the one-year prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma was assessed.

    Time frame: One-year

  4. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Concomitant Pathologies)

    The impact of concomitant pathologies on the one-year prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma was assessed.

    Time frame: One-year

  5. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (The Glasgow Coma Scale)

    The assessment aimed to determine whether the Glasgow Coma Scale scores at each follow-up period had an impact on the prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. The Glasgow Coma Scale is reported as the combined score (which ranges from 3 to 15) and the score of each test (E for eye from 1 to 4, V for Verbal from 1 to 5, and M for Motor from1 to 6). Higher score indicates better result.

    Time frame: One-year

  6. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (The Markwalder Grading Scale)

    The assessment aimed to determine whether the Markwalder Grading Scale scores at each follow-up period had an impact on the prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. 0: Patient neurological normal 1. Patient alert and oriented; mild symptoms such as headache; absent or mild neurological deficit such as reflex asymmetry 2. Patient drowsy (defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score: 13-14) or disoriented with variable neurological deficit, such as hemiparesis 3. Patient stuporous (defined as GCS 9-12) but responding appropriately to noxious stimuli; severe focal signs such as hemiplegia 4. Patient comatose (GCS 8 or lower) with absent motor responses to painful stimuli; decerebrate or decorticate posturing.

    Time frame: One-year

  7. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Neurological Examination - Motor)

    The assessment aimed to determine whether the neurological examination (motor lateraling findings) at each follow-up period had an impact on the prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. --Motor deficit present or absent.

    Time frame: One-year

  8. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Neurological Examination - fundus oculi)

    The assessment aimed to determine whether the neurological examination (fundus oculi examination) at each follow-up period had an impact on the prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. -- papilledema present or absent.

    Time frame: One-year

  9. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Neurological Examination - babinski sign)

    The assessment aimed to determine whether the neurological examination (Babinski's Sign) at each follow-up period had an impact on the prognosis of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. Babinski sign present or absent.

    Time frame: One-year

  10. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Radiological Assessments - midline shift)

    It was evaluated whether radiological assessment findings (midline shift) affected the prognosis of bilateral CSDH. -- length measurement in mm

    Time frame: One-year

  11. The secondary outcome: Follow-up assessment (Radiological Assessments - hematoma volum)

    It was evaluated whether radiological assessment findings (hematoma volume) affected the prognosis of bilateral CSDH. -- volume measurement in cm3

    Time frame: One-year

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital
    Izmir, 35360, Turkey
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Okuchi K, Fujioka M, Maeda Y, Kagoshima T, Sakaki T. Bilateral chronic subdural hematomas resulting in unilateral oculomotor nerve paresis and brain stem symptoms after operation--case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 1999 May;39(5):367-71. doi: 10.2176/nmc.39.367. PubMed 10481440 ↗
  • Kurokawa Y, Ishizaki E, Inaba K. Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma cases showing rapid and progressive aggravation. Surg Neurol. 2005 Nov;64(5):444-9; discussion 449. doi: 10.1016/j.surneu.2004.12.030. PubMed 16253697 ↗
  • Huang YH, Yang KY, Lee TC, Liao CC. Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma: what is the clinical significance? Int J Surg. 2013;11(7):544-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2013.05.007. Epub 2013 May 24. PubMed 23707986 ↗
  • Agawa Y, Mineharu Y, Tani S, Adachi H, Imamura H, Sakai N. Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma is Associated with Rapid Progression and Poor Clinical Outcome. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2016;56(4):198-203. doi: 10.2176/nmc.oa.2015-0256. Epub 2016 Feb 29. PubMed 26923835 ↗
  • Sucu HK, Gokmen M, Ergin A, Bezircioglu H, Gokmen A. Is there a way to avoid surgical complications of twist drill craniostomy for evacuation of a chronic subdural hematoma? Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2007 Jun;149(6):597-9. doi: 10.1007/s00701-007-1162-9. Epub 2007 May 7. PubMed 17486289 ↗
  • Nakaguchi H, Tanishima T, Yoshimasu N. Relationship between drainage catheter location and postoperative recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma after burr-hole irrigation and closed-system drainage. J Neurosurg. 2000 Nov;93(5):791-5. doi: 10.3171/jns.2000.93.5.0791. PubMed 11059659 ↗
  • Gokmen M, Sucu HK, Ergin A, Gokmen A, Bezircio Lu H. Randomized comparative study of burr-hole craniostomy versus twist drill craniostomy; surgical management of unilateral hemispheric chronic subdural hematomas. Zentralbl Neurochir. 2008 Aug;69(3):129-33. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1004587. Epub 2008 Jul 29. PubMed 18666056 ↗
  • Markwalder TM, Steinsiepe KF, Rohner M, Reichenbach W, Markwalder H. The course of chronic subdural hematomas after burr-hole craniostomy and closed-system drainage. J Neurosurg. 1981 Sep;55(3):390-6. doi: 10.3171/jns.1981.55.3.0390. PubMed 7264730 ↗
  • Yagnik KJ, Goyal A, Van Gompel JJ. Twist drill craniostomy vs burr hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2021 Dec;163(12):3229-3241. doi: 10.1007/s00701-021-05019-3. Epub 2021 Oct 14. PubMed 34647183 ↗
  • Kolias AG, Chari A, Santarius T, Hutchinson PJ. Chronic subdural haematoma: modern management and emerging therapies. Nat Rev Neurol. 2014 Oct;10(10):570-8. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.163. Epub 2014 Sep 16. PubMed 25224156 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — Since the International Clinical Trials Registration Platform (ICTRP) became operational in 2007 and we do not have such a clinical trial registry system at the national level, the registration was made retrospectively. The first surgery date of the last patient included in the study was January 2004, and the recruitment period lasted approximately 6.5 years. This policy applies to trials that began enrolling participants on or after January 1, 2019.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Nov 2003 to primary completion in Apr 2010, 77 months.

Of 44 interventional studies with no phase under Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic, half reached primary completion within 45 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 37 and three quarters within 70. This study's 77 months is above that.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Jan 20, 2024
First posted
Mar 29, 2024
StartActual
Nov 2003
Primary completionActual
Apr 2010
CompletionActual
Apr 2011
Last update
Mar 29, 2024
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 29, 2024, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06337851
Lead sponsor
Ataturk Training and Research Hospital
Responsible party
Hasan Kamil Sucu (Neurosurgeon, Professor, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital) — Principal investigator
First posted
Mar 29, 2024
Start date
Nov 2003
Primary completion
Apr 2010
Completion
Apr 2011
Last update
Mar 29, 2024

Study contacts

Omer Akar, MD
principal investigator · Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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