The influence of alcoholism on outcome after evacuation of subdural haematoma

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Abstract
The postoperative course and final outcome after evacuation of subdural haematoma are described in 106 male patients in relation to their alcohol consumption. One-third of the patients were alcohol abusers, drinking at least 60 g of ethanol daily. Despite comparable head trauma, they had a significantly higher incidence of acute subdural haematomas and showed increased postoperative morbidity and mortality compared to the non-alcoholics. The postoperative hospitalization costs were initially higher and the final outcome was significantly worse for the alcohol abusers.