What happens
after surgery?
Once the surgery has been performed, the patient will return to the ward. Generally, there will be a plastic drain coming out of the head. This helps to clear all of the cSDH and is removed after two days.
As necessary, input from rehabilitation professionals such as physiotherapy, will start to help support recovery and allow safe discharge home. Some patients respond very quickly and are able to go home once the drain is removed. However, most patients take 1 to 2 weeks, with the average length of stay in hospital 10 days.
If the Neurosurgical centre is not the local hospital, this recovery will include transfer back to the original hospital. This can take a few days to occur and helps to set up any support that is required after hospital discharge, including placement in intermediate care centres.
Repeat brain scans are generally only performed if there are persisting or reoccurring symptoms. They also may be arranged to help decide about starting blood thinning medication again.
The wound from the operation generally heals in about one week. If there are any concerns about how the wound is healing, or for example if a skin infection is developing, you should seek same day medical assessment.
How long does it take to recover?
The recovery time is very varied. Some people can feel back to normal as soon as the surgery is finished, but for the majority it will take weeks to months. Unfortunately, not everyone makes a full recovery.
We have very limited data to show the exact recovery trajectory, but experience suggests maximum recovery occurs between 3 and 6 months.
How can I help
my recovery?
It is currently not known whether specific strategies can help recovery after surgery for cSDH.
Currently advice and/or additional therapies such as physiotherapy, is tailored to the individual circumstances. Broadly returning to functional and cognitive tasks as soon and as safely as possible is the strategy.
What problems can arise after surgery that I should look out for?
Once leaving hospital, although relatively uncommon, the problems to look out for include:
-
Any sign of infection at the site of surgery (this may include redness, pain, swelling, or discharge from the wound). If this occurs, you should present to your local A/E (Emergency Department)
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Any sign of your symptoms reoccurring (e.g. new arm or leg weakness, drowsiness, or seizures). If this occurs, you should present to your local A/E (Emergency Department), as a further brain scan will be needed to see if the cSDH is reforming
People who have had surgery are also at risk of developing other problems following surgery such as ‘blood clots’ on the legs (which typically cause a painful swelling of one leg) or lungs (which typically causes a pain in the chest when breathing in, with or without difficulty breathing), or chest infections.
This list is not exhaustive, and if you have any concerns you should always seek medical advice.