TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME IN TRANSSPHENOIDAL NEUROSURGERY

An overlooked toxic shock syndrome (TSS) may leed to a fatal outcome. In neurosurgery a transsphenoidal approach with postoperative nasal ta mponade may promote toxic shock syndrome without signs of local wound infection. By discussing the case history of a patient after hypophyse ctomy by the transsphenoidal route, we propose that after the appearan ce of the first signs of toxic shock syndrome, quick removal of the na sal tamponade is a life saving procedure.