Treatment and Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Country of Benin

Background & Aim: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of this pathology and the results in treating it combined from three hospital centers in Benin. Methods & Materials/Patients: From September 2010 to September 2013 a multi-center, retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in three hospital centers in Benin. Inventory was taken of all patients in whom CSDH was diagnosed. Patients were evaluated according to Markwalder classification. All patients received a brain scan. The variables studied include demographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic modalities and post-operative followup. Results: 104 consecutive patients with CSDH were included in the study. The mean age was 49.66, but ranged from six months to 87 years. The M:F sex ratio was 5.11/1. Prior cranial trauma had occurred in 81 patients (77%). Preoperative neurological Grades 1 or 2 were observed in 56.4% of cases. Surgical treatment was given to 100 patients (96.15%). Events surrounding the surgery were straightforward and results satisfactory in 94% of cases. No relapses were observed. The morbidity was 4% and the mortality among surgical patients was 3%. Conclusion: CSDH is frequently treated in the country of Benin. The mean age of patients is lower than that observed in global literature, and patients are predominantly male. Regardless of the patient condition upon hospital admission, post-operative results compare favorably with the literature.