Introduction: The RESCUE-ASDH trial aims to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of decompressive craniectomy (DC) versus craniotomy for the management of adult head- injured patients undergoing evacuation of an acute subdural haematoma (ASDH).
Methods: A multi-centre, pragmatic, parallel group randomised trial of DC vs. craniotomy for head-injured patients with an ASDH. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of DC versus craniotomy in ‘the real world’; hence, surgeons will decide upon the suitability for randomisation of individual patients intra-operatively similar to routine practice.
Results: The primary endpoint is the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale at 12 months post-injury. The required sample size is 990 patients. Recruitment started in Sept 2014. The pilot phase will be completed in March 2016.
Conclusions: We will present the baseline data of the enrolled patients and our experience during the pilot phase of this trial. Please visit www.rescueasdh.org for the latest updates on the trial.
Patient Care: This trial define future surgical management guidelines for patients with ASDH.
Learning Objectives: There is equipoise on a speciality level regarding the surgical management of ASDH. This trial is asking whether a decompressive craniectomy leads to better functional outcomes compared to craniotomy for adult head-injured patients undergoing evacuation of an ASDH.