Objective: To assess the effect of preoperative acetylsalicylic acid use on the risk of recurrence and complications in patients undergoing surgical drainage of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in light of the widespread use of acetylsalicylic acid for cardiovascular prevention among the growing elderly population.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed on May 31st, 2025, across Pubmed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving patients with cSDH undergoing surgical drainage who were on preoperative acetylsalicylic acid therapy. Outcomes analyzed included mortality, morbidity, perioperative and postoperative complications, and recurrence rates. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies and the RoB 2 tool for RCT. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistics.
Results: The systematic review included eight cohort studies (seven retrospective, one prospective) and one RCT, comprising a total of 3,209 participants, of whom 1,152 (35.8%) had received acetylsalicylic acid preoperatively. Our meta-analysis of 1556 observations found no significant difference in recurrence risk between acetylsalicylic acid users and non-users [RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.68-1.45; p = 0.96; I2 = 11.2%]. However, preoperatively acetylsalicylic acid use was associated with a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic events [RR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.18-7.11; p = 0.02; I2 = 0.0%].
Conclusion: Limited evidence suggests that preoperative acetylsalicylic acid use does not significantly increase the risk of cSDH recurrence in patients undergoing surgical drainage. Conversely, these patients may be at increased risk of thromboembolic events. This highlights the importance of careful patient selection and individualized management. Further research is warranted to guide clinical decision-making regarding acetylsalicylic acid therapy in this population.
Keywords: Antiplatelet therapy; Chronic subdural hematoma; Neovascularization; Risk factors.
© 2025. The Author(s).