# Case Report: Subgaleal drainage removal results in a fatal complication after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma

## TL;DR

A rare fatal complication occurred after removing a subgaleal drain following a chronic subdural hematoma surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare but severe complication associated with subgaleal drain removal.

## Key findings

- Subgaleal drain removal can lead to acute subdural hematoma due to vascular injury.
- Despite low complication rates, rare adverse events can occur.
- Inadvertent injury to subcutaneous vascular structures may result in fatal outcomes.

## Abstract

Placement of a drain in subgaleal space in the management of chronic subdural hematomas is a common technique. Subgaleal drains are considered a safe, effective and minimally invasive technique with low-complication rate. In this report, we present a rare but tragic adverse complication following the removal of a subgaleal drainage in a patient who had undergone an evacuation of a subdural bleeding. Although existing data indicates that the risk of cortical surface damage during drain removal is minimal, one must be aware of rare complications such as inadvertent injury to subcutaneous vascular structures culminating in an acute subdural hematoma.