Transtentorial herniation in patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage is predictive of elevated intracranial pressure following haematoma removal

We investigated surgical outcomes of haematoma evacuation in patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage, with emphasis on the development of postoperative refractory intracranial hypertension. Twenty-two consecutive patients with hypertensive putaminal haemorrhage underwent microsurgical clot removal without decompressive craniectomy. Medical histories, radiographic findings, and surgical notes were reviewed. Twenty patients survived to discharge. Twelve patients with preoperative transtentorial herniation, demonstrating a greater haematoma volume and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, had significantly elevated postoperative intracranial pressure. Five of these patients developed refractory intracranial hypertension (42%), and two of these patients died. Conversely, none of the 10 patients without preoperative transtentorial herniation experienced refractory intracranial hypertension, and they had a better outcome at discharge. The preoperative presence of clinical transtentorial herniation may predict the development of postoperative refractory intracranial hypertension, which may require decompressive craniectomy.