Analysis of mortality of extradural haematoma in a general surgical unit.
Extradural haematoma complicating head injury still has a formidable mortality despite recent advances in neurological surgery. The experience of 60 cases of extradural haematoma treated in a general surgical unit was reviewed retrospectively. The mortality was 35%. Analysis of the 21 deaths showed that 13 (62%) of them were possibly avoidable. Lack of index of suspicion, delay in instituting surgical treatment and inadequate surgical intervention were the main causes of the avoidable mortality.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006406:Hematoma / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged