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Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a critical and often fatal condition, particularly in elderly patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. With a growing global aging population, the incidence of traumatic brain injuries, including ASDH, is projected to rise, presenting significant challenges in clinical management. This study evaluates the outcomes of surgically treated ASDH in patients aged 65 years and older, comparing those who received anticoagulant therapy with those who did not. It also aims to identify the main risk factors for poor outcomes and explore preventive strategies in this vulnerable population., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgery for ASDH at our institution between 2018 and 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on anticoagulant therapy use. Demographic data, mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations, and outcomes, including mortality and reoperation rates, were analyzed. Radiological assessments included hematoma thickness, midline shift, and the presence of residual hematoma., Results: No significant differences were observed in hematoma thickness, midline shift, or mortality between patients receiving anticoagulant therapy and those not on anticoagulants. However, a significant association was found between anticoagulant use and the mechanism of injury; patients on anticoagulants were more likely to sustain ASDH from low-energy trauma, such as a fall from the same level (p=0.005). Despite the high mortality rates associated with ASDH in elderly patients, the multidisciplinary approach employed, including the prompt reversal of coagulopathy, likely contributed to the observed outcomes., Conclusion: Acute subdural hematoma in elderly patients, particularly those receiving anticoagulant therapy, remains a challenging problem with a high rate of poor outcomes. This study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to mitigate the risks associated with even minor trauma, especially in patients on anticoagulants. Our findings underscore the importance of appropriate management protocols, including the timely reversal of coagulopathy, in improving survival rates within this high-risk population. Further research is needed to develop and validate comprehensive preventive strategies and to investigate long-term outcomes in these patients.