Clinical significance of early operation in the treatment of traumatic acute small extradural hematoma

Objective:To discuss the clinical significance of early operation in the treatment of traumatic acute small extradural hematoma.Methods:Sixty five patients with traumatic acute small extradurl hematoma treated in our hospital from January 1995 to December 1999 were retrospectively studied.Twenty eight patients underwent early operation and 37 patients were managed conservatively.Results:No one died among the 28 patinets who underwent early operation and the mean length of stay was 14.5±4.5 days.In the conservatively managed group,three patients died due to quickly increased extradural hematoma and the mean length of stay was 21±6.5 days.Conclusions:Early operation is a safe and effective way for the treatment of traumatic acute small extradurl hematoma,which can avoid cerebral hernia caused by gradually increased extradural hematoma.