[Headache following laparotomy; chronic subdural haematoma following epidural anaesthesia].
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.
Algemeen Ziekenhuis De Tjongerschans, Heerenveen, The Netherlands. a.e.heeman@anest.umcg.nl
Annelies E
AE
Heeman
Auke C
AC
Reidinga
Rob J M
RJ
Groen
J M K H Mark
JM
Wierda
Sjouke
S
Schiere
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries*; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D020200:Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications*