• Stefan Aspalter, Matthias Gmeiner, Stefan Gasser, Michael Sonnberger, Nico Stroh, Philip Rauch, Andreas Gruber, and Harald Stefanits.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria.
• Neurosurgery. 2024 Apr 22.

Background And ObjectivesChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly managed through burr hole surgery. Routine follow-up using computed tomography (CT) imaging is frequently used at many institutions, contributing to significant radiation exposure. This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and reliability of trans-burr hole sonography as an alternative postoperative imaging modality, aiming to reduce radiation exposure by decreasing the frequency of CT scans.MethodsWe conducted a prospective pilot study on 20 patients who underwent burr hole surgery for CSDH. Postoperative imaging included both CT and sonographic examinations through the burr hole. We assessed the ability to measure residual subdural fluid thickness under the burr hole sonographically compared with CT, the occurrence of complications, and the potential factors affecting sonographic image quality. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to demonstrate relationships between CT and ultrasound and axial and coronal ultrasound.ResultsSonography through the burr hole was feasible in 73.5% of cases, providing measurements of residual fluid that closely paralleled CT findings, with an average discrepancy of 1.2 mm for axial and 1.4 mm for coronal sonographic views. A strong positive correlation was found between axial and coronal ultrasound (r = 0.955), CT and axial ultrasound (r = 0.936), and CT and coronal ultrasound (r = 0.920). The primary obstacle for sonographic imaging was the presence of air within the burr hole or the subdural space, which typically resolved over time after surgery.ConclusionTrans-burr hole sonography emerges as a promising technique for postoperative monitoring of CSDH, with the potential to safely reduce reliance on CT scans and associated radiation exposure in selected patients. Our results support further investigation into the extended use of sonography during the follow-up phase. Prospective multicenter studies are recommended to establish the method's efficacy and to explore strategies for minimizing air presence postsurgery.Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2024. All rights reserved.

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