1. [Headache following laparotomy; chronic subdural haematoma following epidural anaesthesia].
- Author
-
Heeman AE, Reidinga AC, Groen RJ, Wierda JM, and Schiere S
- Subjects
- Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic surgery, Humans, Laparotomy, Male, Middle Aged, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Treatment Outcome, Anesthesia, Epidural adverse effects, Dura Mater injuries, Headache etiology, Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic etiology, Wounds, Penetrating complications
- Abstract
A 63-year-old man underwent an exploratory laparotomy because of rectal carcinoma. The operation was performed under general anaesthesia in combination with epidural anaesthesia. Since the operation the patient complained of a headache. Eight weeks after the operation he was hospitalized because of worsening of the headache and also drowsiness. A physical examination showed a slight tendency to incline to the left. A CT scan showed a subdural haematoma, which was relieved with surgery. We suspected that accidental puncture of the dura caused the haematoma. The incidence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication are discussed.
- Published
- 2009