Chronic subdural hematoma: results of a homogeneous series of 159 patients operated on by residents.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: A series of cases with chronic subdural hematoma operated upon by residents in neurosurgery is analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 159 patients treated between 1998 and 2001 were included in the study. Mean age was 76.4 years and male/female ratio was 1.7/1. The patients were classified both on admission and at discharge according to the Markwalder scale. The standard operative procedure consisted of an enlarged single burr-hole, rinsing the subdural space with iso-osmotic saline solution and insertion of a subdural drain. CONCLUSION: In CSDH, operation by the residents is safe and the results are comparable to those of the major series of the literature as the surgical procedure is standardized.