The microsurgical treatment for primary hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage: Experience with 52 patients.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aims to investigate the effect of minimal invasive microsurgery in treating primary hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage (PHBH).

[METHODS] 52 patients of PHBH (≥3.5 ml) who have taken the minimal invasive microsurgery with neuronavigation guidance were included between Jan. 2011 and Dec. 2018. The volume/location/type of hematoma, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and hemorrhagic dilatation of the fourth ventricle were analyzed during the follow-up period ranged from 3 to 57 months.

[RESULTS] Among all the patients, 18 achieved complete hematoma evacuation (≥95%), 31 achieved subtotal evacuation (≥90%), 3 achieved premodinantly evacuation (>75%). No rebleeding during or after surgery within 24 h were found. 45 patients survived after 3 months, the mean preoperative hematoma volume decreased from 7.1 ± 2.6 ml-0.9 ml (p < 0.05), 19 patients got GOS Grade V/Ⅳ. It is shown the volume less than 10 ml always led to better outcome while massive and bilateral hematoma were related with poor prognosis.

[CONCLUSION] The microsurgical hematoma evacuation under neuronavigation assistance is a rapid, effective, and safe technique for the removal of PHBH, especially for the volume less than 10 ml.