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Covers to Improve Esthetic Outcome After Surgery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CORRECT-SCAR)

University of Zurich (UZH) logo

University of Zurich (UZH)

Status

Completed

Conditions

Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic
Haematoma;Subdural;Traumatic
Hematoma, Subdural, Intracranial

Treatments

Other: No placement of burr-hole covers
Device: Placement of burr-hole covers

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other
Industry

Identifiers

NCT03755349
BASEC 2018-01180

Details and patient eligibility

About

The clinical-functional result after frontal and parietal burr-hole trepanation for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is effective with regards to control of the hematoma and regression of symptoms (headache, decreased vigilance and neurological deficits). However, in patients the treatment may leave visible depressions of the scalp, just above the trepanation sites, that typically develop gradually after weeks - months after the procedure. A considerable proportion of patients find this aesthetically, functionally and psychologically disturbing; the skin depressions may even cause pain or interfere with activities of daily living, such as combing, etc.

An effective method would exist to avoid this undesired treatment effect: Before the skin is closed, a permeable titanium burr-hole plate could be attached above the trepanation site in order to prevent the skin from sinking into the bony defect. However, this is rarely done today, likely because there is no evidence that this treatment modification is effective and safe. Moreover, as material is implanted, this causes additional costs.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether the application of burr-hole plates on both the frontal and parietal burr-hole in the context of burr-hole trepanation for the treatment of cSDH can improve patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result of the surgery.

In addition, the study is intended to demonstrate that this additional measure will not result in poorer hematoma control, poorer clinical/neurological outcomes, or additional complications for the patient.

In a prospective, single-blind and controlled approach, we randomize 80 patients with uni- or bilateral cSDH into an intervention group (with burr-hole plates) or into a control group (without burr-hole plates).

The primary end result of the study is the patient's reported satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the surgical scar. Secondary results are pain, functionality, neurological status, health-related quality of life, residual hematoma volume, and complications (according to Clavien-Dindo scale; especially re-operation rate for recurring cSDH and infections).

The study corresponds to a modern approach, since today's patients not only expect favorable treatment results for their disease, but the therapy should also avoid permanent undesired side-effects, if possible.

Enrollment

83 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Participants fulfilling all of the following inclusion criteria are eligible for the study:

  • Patients with first-time cSDH (hypodense, isodense, hyperdense or mixed-type in CT-imaging), scheduled for uni- or bilateral double burr hole trepanation under general anesthesia
  • Patient age ≥ 18 years
  • Patient non-comatose at time of inclusion (GCS > 8 points)
  • Patient able to communicate (in terms of ability to hear, see, speak and understand)

The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the participant:

  • Patient with recurrent cSDH or previous surgery for cSDH
  • Patient with cSDH treated by craniotomy or by single burr hole trepanation
  • Patient with cSDH treated in local anesthesia
  • Patient unlikely to attend the follow-up (due to reasons of residency, dismal prognosis, etc.)
  • Pregnancy
  • Known allergy against or incompatibility with Titanium
  • Known or suspected non-compliance
  • Inability to follow the study procedures, e.g. due to psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Randomized

Interventional model

Parallel Assignment

Masking

Single Blind

83 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention group
Experimental group
Description:
Both burr-holes are covered by burr-hole covers in patients with unilateral cSDH. In patients with bilateral cSDH, both burr-holes of the intervention side are covered by burr-hole covers.
Treatment:
Device: Placement of burr-hole covers
Control group
Active Comparator group
Description:
None of the burr-holes are covered by burr-hole covers in patients with unilateral cSDH. In patients with bilateral cSDH, both burr-holes on the control side are left uncovered.
Treatment:
Other: No placement of burr-hole covers

Trial contacts and locations

1

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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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