Complications of surgery for subdural hematoma.

In this report we have discussed the complications of surgery for subdural hematoma. The complications are varied and many depend primarily on the type of treatment required by the patient. We have considered the problems associated with: percutaneous tap in infants, subdural shunts in infants and children, craniotomy for membranectomy, twist-drill drainage, and burr holes, craneictomy, and/or craniotomy. Infection, epilepsy, and reaccumulation of the subdural hematoma are common to all forms of therapy, while other complications are related to the specific form of subdural hematoma treatment. In addition, significant serum and electrolyte abnormalities which may occur as a consequence of subdural hematoma surgery have been reviewed. In general, the over-all complication rate of surgery for subdural hematoma is low in relationship to the morbidity and mortality associated with this lesion. Because of the frequency of subdural hematoma, the neurosurgeon should be ever vigilant in the prevention, recognition, and management of these complications.