Tension pneumocephalus from skull base surgery: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tension pneumocephalus from skull base surgery is a rare occurrence that mandates urgent neurosurgical attention. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a case of tension pneumocephalus secondary to an endoscopic endonasal resection of an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and how it was successfully managed at our institution. CONCLUSION: Our experience reflects that definitive treatment of tension pneumocephalus is required with multilayered dural repair, but temporising measures should be used immediately to prevent neurological deterioration prior to the definitive repair.