Keyhole craniectomy in the surgical management of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma

Abstract

Background and Objective: Although the surgical management of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (SICH) is a controversial issue, it can be life saving in a deteriorating patient. Surgical techniques have varied from the open large craniotomy, burr hole and aspiration to the minimally invasive techniques like stereotactic aspiration of the SICH, endoscopic evacuation and stereotactic catheter drainage. The authors report their experience with a keyhole craniectomy for the surgical evacuation of SICH. Methods: Ninety-six cases of SICH were treated using the keyhole craniectomy technique. A small craniectomy of 2-2.5 cm diameter was made using a vertical incision over a relatively ‘silent area’ of the cortex closest to the clot. Using a small cortical incision the hematoma was evacuated and decompression was achieved. Hemostasis was achieved using standard microneurosurgical techniques. Results: Good to excellent outcome was achieved in 55 cases. Mortality was noted in 23 patients. Blood loss was minimal during the procedure. Good evacuation of the clot was seen in all but 5 cases as judged by the postoperative CT scan. Conclusion: The keyhole craniectomy technique is minimally invasive, safe and can achieve good clot evacuation with excellent hemostasis. It can be combined with microscopic or endoscopic assistance to achieve the desired result.