biostudies-literatureChau CYCNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)E1996https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7356750biostudies-literatureUnknown9(6)External ventricular drainage (EVD) may be used for therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to control intracranial pressure (ICP) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is currently uncertainty regarding the optimal timing for EVD insertion. This study aims to compare patient outcomes for patients with early and late EVD insertion. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, MEDLINE/EMBASE/Scopus/Web of Science/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for published literature involving at least 10 severe TBI (sTBI) patients from their inception date to December 2019. Outcomes assessed were mortality, functional outcome, ICP control, length of stay, therapy intensity level, and complications. TJournal of clinical medicineOptimal Timing of External Ventricular Drainage after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.PMC7356750project 16/137/105Solla DJFErcole AGregson BMediratta SMcKie MATulu SChau CYCPaiva WSKolias AGHutchinson PJfalseOptimal Timing of External Ventricular Drainage after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.External ventricular drainage (EVD) may be used for therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to control intracranial pressure (ICP) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is currently uncertainty regarding the optimal timing for EVD insertion. This study aims to compare patient outcomes for patients with early and late EVD insertion. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, MEDLINE/EMBASE/Scopus/Web of Science/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for published literature involving at least 10 severe TBI (sTBI) patients from their inception date to December 2019. Outcomes assessed were mortality, functional outcome, ICP control, length of stay, therapy intensity level, and complications. T2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Jun2025-04-19T18:00:47.753Z2025-04-19T18:00:47.753ZS-EPMC73567503263045410.3390/jcm9061996