VASOSPASM AFTER RESECTION OF SKULL BASE TUMORS

Vasospasm after resection of skull base tumors is a rare complication that often produces serious ischemic sequelae. In four of the authors' recent cases, vasospasm complicated the patient's postoperative cours e. A review of the literature produced a number of cases that can help determine possible causes of vasospasm after tumor resection, ways to prevent it, and methods to evaluate it when it occurs. The cause appe ars to be multifactorial and the surgical approach may contribute to t he pathogenesis of vasospasm. Physicians must have a high degree of su spicion to detect vasospasm at an early stage of skull base surgery. C erebral blood now measurement and transcranial Doppler are useful moni toring tools.