Efficacy of subdural saline injection during surgery for acute epidural haematomas.

PRIMARY

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of subdural space saline injection surgery in the management of large acute epidural haematomas (EDHs).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Over a period of 6 years, the authors employed the technique of subdural space saline injection to facilitate elevation of dura after evacuation of supratentorial epidural haematomas. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS. Eighty patients with supratentorial epidural haematomas underwent the procedure. Infusion of saline in the subdural space not only helps elevation of the dura, facilitate haemostasis and application of suspension stitches during operation, it also avoids ICP fluctuations during the operations. Post-operative CT scans showed rapid disappearance of saline and reposition of cerebral structure. No patient required re-operation for residual haematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Subdural saline injection is an effective operative technique in the management of large epidural haematoma.