Percutaneous burrhole trephination of the skull: a study of 519 cases

Abstract

We want to report on our experiences with the percutaneous trephination using a 2.35 mm round dental drill with serrated saws around it, a "Rosenbohrer". It is a methodically similar activity as described by J. Zentner [11]. From 1981 to 1992 519 patients were treated and 546 trephinations were performed. At the beginning this treatment was only used in connection with intracerebral bleedings and biopsies. In a considerable short time the indication could be extended to the subdural hematoma, tumor cyst, obstructive hydrocephalus as well as to the abscess and the subdural epyema. The rate of infection was 1.28% and the risk of bleeding 0.36%. In our opinion the advantages of this small electrical trephination are the easy handling, the universal use and mobility and the avoidable risk of anesthesia as well as the sterilisation at the same time and the stopping of blood, caused by the contact surface friction.