Multiple target aspiration technique for subacute stereotactic aspiration of hematomas within the basal ganglia

BACKGROUND Stereotactic surgery for deep-seated intracerebral hematomas as a minimally invasive procedure has gained wide acceptance, but debate continues to be controversial concerning the issue of how to aspirate a sufficient proportion of the hematoma with minimized risk for the patient. The objective of this paper is to present a modified stereotactic aspiration technique which complies saliently with both demands. METHODS The multiple target aspiration technique was used in a series of 64 consecutive patients with spontaneous hematomas within the basal ganglia. The results obtained with this technique were evaluated with particular regard to degree of aspiration and rate of recurrent hemorrhage and were compared with results achieved with stereotactic techniques utilizing physical fragmentation or chemical lysis of the clots. RESULTS Using this technique, it was feasible in one single surgical procedure to aspirate more than 80% of the hematoma volume in 73.4% of the patients. Mean degree of aspiration was 88.8%, and rebleeding occurred only once (1.6%). These results compare favorably with those achieved with application of intricate stereotactic techniques. CONCLUSION The multiple target aspiration technique performed in the subacute stage is a rapid and simple method for stereotactic removal of deep-seated hematomas and combines a high success rate with very low risk of recurrent hemorrhage. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.