Covers to Improve Esthetic Outcome After Surgery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

The clinical-functional result after frontal and parietal burr-hole trepanation for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is effective with regards to control of the hematoma and regression of symptoms (headache, decreased vigilance and neurological deficits). However, in patients the treatment may leave visible depressions of the scalp, just above the trepanation sites, that typically develop gradually after weeks - months after the procedure. A considerable proportion of patients find this aesthetically, functionally and psychologically disturbing; the skin depressions may even cause pain or interfere with activities of daily living, such as combing, etc.

An effective method would exist to avoid this undesired treatment effect: Before the skin is closed, a permeable titanium burr-hole plate could be attached above the trepanation site in order to prevent the skin from sinking into the bony defect. However, this is rarely done today, likely because there is no evidence that this treatment modification is effective and safe. Moreover, as material is implanted, this causes additional costs.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether the application of burr-hole plates on both the frontal and parietal burr-hole in the context of burr-hole trepanation for the treatment of cSDH can improve patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result of the surgery.

In addition, the study is intended to demonstrate that this additional measure will not result in poorer hematoma control, poorer clinical/neurological outcomes, or additional complications for the patient.

In a prospective, single-blind and controlled approach, we randomize 80 patients with uni- or bilateral cSDH into an intervention group (with burr-hole plates) or into a control group (without burr-hole plates).

The primary end result of the study is the patient's reported satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the surgical scar. Secondary results are pain, functionality, neurological status, health-related quality of life, residual hematoma volume, and complications (according to Clavien-Dindo scale; especially re-operation rate for recurring cSDH and infections).

The study corresponds to a modern approach, since today's patients not only expect favorable treatment results for their disease, but the therapy should also avoid permanent undesired side-effects, if possible.