THE INCIDENCE OF PNEUMOCEPHALUS AFTER SUPRATENTORIAL CRANIOTOMY - OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF INTRACRANIAL AIR

Background: Pneumocephalus occurs in a variety of clinical settings an d has important anesthetic implications, particularly if N2O is used. One common cause of pneumocephalus is a craniotomy or craniectomy, and therefore patients undergoing these neurosurgical procedures may be a t increased risk for the development of tension pneumocephalus if N2O is used during a subsequent anesthetic. However, because the rate at w hich a postoperative pneumocephalus resolves has not been well defined , the duration of this risk period is unknown.