Efficacy of dural tenting sutures.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to assess the necessity for the prophylactic use of dural tenting sutures.

METHODS

Data that had been prospectively collected from 369 consecutive cranial operations in adults were analyzed. In this series of patients, dural tenting sutures were used on a judicious "as needed" basis. They were never used to satisfy a procedural routine or for use as a prophylaxis against epidural hemorrhage that was not apparent. Tenting sutures were used for the control of epidural bleeding in 33 patients (8.9%); no tenting was required in 336 patients (91.1%). Reoperation for postoperative epidural hematoma was not required in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Dural tenting sutures continue to have an important role in neurosurgery; however, there is no compelling evidence to support their traditional prophylactic use in every intracranial operation.