Clinical outcome of subdural versus subgaleal drain after burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly treated by burr-hole drainage with subgaleal or subdural drain insertion, mostly based on surgeon’s preference. We analyzed the recurrence rate and clinical outcomes after burr-hole drainage for CSDH and subdural or subgaleal drain insertion in a single center, retrospective cohort study.

700 cases of burr-hole drainage for CSDH between 2017 and 2022 were included. Subdural drain insertion was compared to subgaleal drain insertion. The primary outcome were the rates of recurrence and reoperation. The secondary outcomes consisted of morbidity, postoperative complications, and mortality.

Baseline characteristics were comparable. The recurrence and reoperation rate after subdural drainage were respectively 15.3% (38/249) and 9.6% (24/249). The recurrence and reoperation rate after subgaleal drainage were respectively 13.4% (55/409) and 10.8% (44/409). There were no significant associations found in recurrence and reoperation rate between both drain insertions. No differences in morbidity, complication rate and mortality between drain insertion locations was found.

We found relative equipoise between subdural or subgaleal drain insertion concerning recurrence, reoperation rate or clinical outcome. A large multicenter randomized controlled trial could be designed to further assess the outcomes of subdural and subgaleal drain placement after burr-hole drainage for CSDH.