[Surgical treatment for spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. Part II: infratentorial haematomas].
Surgery plays a mayor role in the management of some patients with cerebellar haematomas, although a universally accepted treatment guideline is lacking. The aim of this study was to review the existing evidence supporting surgical evacuation of the haematoma in this pathology. Without any clinical trial on this field, data derived from clinical series suggest that the level of consciousness, the size of the haematoma, the presence of hydrocephalus and the compression of the posterior fossa CSF containing spaces are the main criteria to decide management. Fourth ventricular compression seems to be the best indicator of the last parameter. Existing bibliography shows that haematomas greater than 4 cm or causing complete obliteration of the fourth ventricle or prepontine cistern need surgical evacuation irrespective of the level of consciousness, as they indicate a significant compression of the brainstem. On the other hand, it seems that haematomas of less than 3 cm and without fourth ventricular compression can be managed conservatively or by means of ventricular drainage if hydrocephalus exists and requires treatment. The management of intermediate sized haematomas is less clear although conservative approach could be adopted in presence of adequate neurological status, with EVD in the case of hydrocephalus with low consciousness level. If the level of consciousness is low despite the treatment of hydrocephalus, or in absence of this latter, haematoma evacuation is indicated. Finally, patients with flaccid tetraplejia and absent oculocephalic reflexes, and those whose age or basal condition precludes an adequate functional outcome are not suitable for aggressive treatment. Moreover, some studies have shown that comatose patients with CT scan evidence of severe brainstem compression present a reduced probability of good outcome. Anyway, management should be decided on an individual basis, as there is no enough evidence to support a strict treatment protocol.
Pérez-Núñez
A
A
Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid.
Alday
R
R
Rivas
J J
JJ
Lagares
A
A
Gómez
P A
PA
Alén
J F
JF
Arrese
I
I
Lobato
R D
RD
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*