Evaluation of intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography in the surgical evacuation of acute intracranial hematoma: a single-center study from Botswana - Report - MDSpire

Evaluation of intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography in the surgical evacuation of acute intracranial hematoma: a single-center study from Botswana

  • By

  • Yang Zhang

  • Jianxiang Zhao

  • Bayela Nfila

  • Dorcas Kambai Mufalali

  • Shaoya Yin

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Intraoperative Color Doppler Ultrasound for Hematomas

Overview

Intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography significantly improves hematoma clearance and neurological outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy for acute intracranial hemorrhage. This technique is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings, enhancing surgical precision and patient recovery.

Background

Acute intracranial hemorrhage is a critical condition requiring prompt surgical intervention to prevent neurological deterioration. Traditional imaging methods like CT scans provide static information, which may not reflect the dynamic changes occurring during surgery. The use of intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography offers real-time insights, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

Data Highlights

OutcomeUltrasound Group (n=34)Control Group (n=23)P-value
Hematoma clearance >90%70.6%26.1%< 0.001
GCS Score (2 weeks post-op)12 (10–12)9 (8–10)< 0.001
NIHSS Score (2 weeks post-op)8.38 ± 2.1511.78 ± 2.15< 0.001
Length of hospital stay (days)12.47 ± 5.3416.39 ± 7.380.024

Key Findings

  • Ultrasound-guided surgery resulted in a significantly higher rate of >90% hematoma clearance (70.6% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.001).
  • Patients in the ultrasound group had better neurological recovery, with higher GCS scores (12 vs. 9, P < 0.001).
  • The NIHSS scores were lower in the ultrasound group (8.38 vs. 11.78, P < 0.001).
  • Hospital stays were shorter for the ultrasound group (12.47 days vs. 16.39 days, P = 0.024).
  • Intraoperative ultrasonography detected residual and newly formed hematomas not visible on preoperative CT.

Clinical Implications

Intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography can enhance surgical outcomes for patients with acute intracranial hematomas by providing real-time imaging and facilitating better decision-making during surgery. This technique is especially valuable in settings with limited access to advanced imaging technologies.

Conclusion

The integration of intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography into surgical practice for acute intracranial hematomas can lead to improved patient outcomes and should be considered in both resource-rich and resource-limited environments.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Utilization of Intraoperative and Cone-Beam CT Imaging for Minimally Invasive Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, 2020
  2. Factors Influencing Surgical Outcomes in Hemorrhagic Brain Metastases, Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2024
  3. Ultrasound-Assisted Scuba Technique for the Removal of Intracerebral Hematoma: Our Approach, 2025
  4. Guidelines for the Surgical Management of TBI, Brain Trauma Foundation
  5. Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Medical Management Alone for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Neurology, 2025
  6. Evaluation of Intraoperative Color Doppler Ultrasonography in the Surgical Evacuation of Acute Intracranial Hematoma: A Single-Center Study from Botswana, Frontiers, 2026
  7. RADAR – Utilizing Radiomics in Acute Subdural Hematoma: Forecasting Outcomes Based on Surface Area
  8. Guidelines for the Surgical Management of TBI — Brain Trauma Foundation
  9. Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Medical Management Alone for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network
  10. Frontiers | Evaluation of Intraoperative Color Doppler Ultrasonography in the Surgical Evacuation of Acute Intracranial Hematoma: A Single-Center Study from Botswana

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