Minimally invasive approach to traumatic intracerebral hematomas.

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in Brazil. We report on 28 cases of traumatic intracerebral hematomas operated on via a minimally invasive approach. A simplified method of localization and right placement of the burr hole is described in details, as well as the technique used in all cases. Every patient was submitted to pre- and postoperative CT scan (computerized tomography) and had the volume of the hematoma measured before the surgical procedure to compare the efficacy of the treatment. No patient needed a second operation, even though in some cases there were residual hematomas. We believe that this approach can be done with safety and replace a standard craniotomy in selected cases.