Tension pneumocephalus after craniotomy in supine position

J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2003 Jul;15(3):278-81. doi: 10.1097/00008506-200307000-00019.

Abstract

Tension pneumocephalus has been reported frequently after posterior fossa surgery, mostly in procedures done in the sitting position. Though uncommon, tension pneumocephalus is a life-threatening complication that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. It is rare for this complication to occur after neurosurgical procedures done in the supine position. The authors report a case of an adult patient diagnosed with craniopharyngioma who developed tension pneumocephalus following craniotomy in the supine position.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, General
  • Craniopharyngioma / surgery*
  • Craniotomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pneumocephalus / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology*
  • Pneumocephalus / surgery
  • Supine Position / physiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed