The efficacy and safety of the internal medication therapy of the triple drugs for chronic subdural hematoma: Retrospective analysis

The recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after surgical treatment is a severe problem with no effective prevention method. This retrospective study aimed to investigate factors associated with CSDH recurrence after burr hole surgery and hematoma changes on computed tomography before surgery to examine prevention methods for recurrence. A total of 166 hematomas were enrolled in this study, with 139 patients undergoing burr hole surgery for CSDH. Among these patients, 17 (12 %) had recurrence. Propensity score matching was performed based on postoperative drug therapy, including goreisan, carbazochrome sodium sulfonate hydrate, and tranexamic aid, resulting in 39 matched cases in 0–2 and 3 drug therapy groups. The recurrence rates were 18 % for the 0–2-drug therapy group and 3 % for the 3-drug therapy group. Univariate analysis revealed that the use of 0–2 drugs was associated with a higher risk of CSDH recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 8.31; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.97–71.17; p = 0.05) compared to the use of 3 drugs. Multivariate regression analysis further confirmed that 0–2 drug therapy after surgery was associated with an increased risk of CSDH recurrence (OR, 11.06; 95 % CI, 1.16–105.4; p = 0.037). Additionally, 36 hematomas were evaluated before surgery, with hematoma changes such as lower density and new trabecular formation detected in 14 CSDHs (39 %). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 3-drug therapy was associated with more cases of hematoma change than 0–2-drug therapy (OR, 13.9; 95 % CI, 1.09–177.65; p = 0.043). The 3-drug therapy was effective in reducing the recurrence of hematoma after burr hole surgery and promoted hematoma thrombosis.