Lessons in the management of post-operative tension pneumocephalus complicating transcranial resection of advanced cutaneous tumours with free flap reconstruction

Abstract

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of transcranial surgery. Whilst commonly described in the field of neurosurgery, little has been published in the context of craniofacial surgery. We describe two cases of post-operative extradural tension pneumocephalus occurring following free myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction of anterior cranial defects following extirpation of advanced recurrent skin carcinomas. These cases illustrate the variation in clinical presentation of this condition, the importance of prompt recognition, urgent radiological investigation and timely decompression, and potential management strategies for minimising the risk of recurrent symptoms.

Keywords: Complication; Free flap reconstruction; Tension pneumocephalus; Tension pneumocranium; Transcranial surgery.