AIM: To compare the rates of recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma following surgical evacuation by one of two methods, namely, using frontal and parietal burr holes without a drain or a single parietal burr hole with the addition of a subdural drain.

MATERIAL and METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial with two groups of 70 patients each. Patients in group I had two burr holes and those in group II had a single burr-hole. A subdural drain was placed for the second group, and this was removed 48-72 hours later. Patients were followed up for 3 months and symptomatic recurrences underwent re-exploration.

RESULTS: 11 out of 70 patients in group I had recurrent hematomas requiring surgery while only two out of 70 patients in group II had symptomatic recurrences. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0168).

CONCLUSION: The use of a single burr hole with drain appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.