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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2016; 77(06): 527-530
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1571165
Technical Note
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Ultrasonography-Assisted Bedside Technique to Identify and Aspirate Clots: Rescue for Patients with Post-Craniectomy Epidural Hematomas

El Kim
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Dongsan Medical Center, Jung-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

19 September 2015

22 October 2015

Publication Date:
05 May 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Background The benefits of decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be adversely affected by postoperative complications. This article presents the technique of ultrasonography (US) guidance to treat epidural hematoma (EDH) following DC for ischemic stroke.

Methods Four patients developed postoperative EDHs requiring dual-trajectory approaches for reexploration and evacuation. Clearance and reaccumulation of the EDH was assessed by US images at the bedside.

Results Real-time US showed hematoma shrinkage and brain decompression during the suction-assisted evacuation. Aspiration resulted in an immediate average reduction in hematoma size from 106 mL to 30 mL. No ensuing infection and rehemorrhage occurred related to the bedside procedure.

Conclusions US-guided clot evacuation is an effective minimal access surgery for patients with post-craniectomy EDHs and worsening neurologic status.

Keywords

complication - decompressive craniectomy - epidural hematoma - stroke - ultrasonography
 

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