Chronic subdural haematoma: review of 96 cases attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

Chronic subdural haematoma is not uncommon in Africa. Early diagnosis and treatment is satisfying. Simpler operative procedures are generally effective. This review is meant to find out the situation regarding the condition in Ghana. A retrospective study of patients with chronic subdural haematoma admitted to and treated by the Neurosurgical Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between January 1995 and December 1998 was undertaken. The case notes, computerise axial tomography (CT) scans and operative records were reviewed and the relevant data extracted. Incomplete records were excluded. 96 patients were involved. The mean age of the patients was 46.9 years, with male to female ratio of 16:1. The most common presenting feature was headache (64.7%). Time of injury to presentation was about 2 months. 81 were treated using burr hole and drainage and 15 by craniotomy and stripping of membranes. Eighty four were treated under general anaesthesia. Two were reoperated on because of recurrent bleed. There were two (2) deaths. Ninety patients had a Glasgow Outcome Score of good at the time of their last review. The data suggests that burr hole and closed drainage is a very effective method of managing CSDH.