Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Surgical Induction of Endolymphatic Hydrops by Obliteration of the Endolymphatic Duct
11:49

Surgical Induction of Endolymphatic Hydrops by Obliteration of the Endolymphatic Duct

Published on: January 22, 2010

11.8K

Take it seriously or not: postoperative pneumocephalus in CSDH patients?

Guo-Hui Huang1,2, Xin-Cai Li1,2, Li Ren3

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

British Journal of Neurosurgery
|February 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pneumocephalus, or air in the skull, commonly occurs after chronic subdural hematoma surgery. This study found that post-surgical pneumocephalus does not impact patient outcomes or recurrence rates, as it typically resolves on its own.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pneumocephalus is a frequent complication following burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).
  • The clinical significance and impact of post-surgical pneumocephalus on patient prognosis have not been extensively investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between postoperative pneumocephalus volume and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing CSDH drainage.
  • To assess the correlation of pneumocephalus with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, and CSDH recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 140 patients with CSDH treated with single burr-hole drainage.
  • Calculation of pre- and postoperative hematoma volumes and postoperative pneumocephalus volume.
  • Statistical analysis of the relationship between pneumocephalus volume and GCS/GOS scores, and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

  • Preoperative hematoma volume and patient age positively correlated with 1-day postoperative pneumocephalus volume.
  • No significant correlation found between postoperative pneumocephalus volume and GCS/GOS scores.
  • No difference in GCS/GOS scores or CSDH recurrence rates between patients with and without pneumocephalus.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumocephalus, within a certain range, does not adversely affect the prognosis of CSDH patients after surgery.
  • The self-absorbing nature of pneumocephalus suggests no specific intervention is typically required.

Keywords:
Chronic subdural hematomaGCSGOSdrilling and drainagepneumocephalus

More Related Videos

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression07:30

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

Published on: June 15, 2019

10.5K
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
767
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway01:29

Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
2.5K
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
314
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
437
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
1.0K
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
215