Pneumocephalus after acoustic neuroma surgery

Objective: The study was conducted to describe the diagnosis and management of pneumocephalus after acoustic tumor resection. Study Design: The study design was a retrospective chart review. Setting: The study was conducted as a tertiary otologic referral to the senior authors' practices (PAF, MDA). Participants: Three patients operated on for acoustic tumor in St. Vincent's General Hospital and the Scottish Hospital, Sydney, Australia, were studied. Intervention: Observation in both cases and surgery in a case in which tension pneumocephalus was progressive were performed. Main Outcome Measure: Recovery will follow either spontaneously or after intervention. Results: All patients had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: In most cases, spontaneous resolution occurs. However, if surgical re-exploration is indicated, it is best performed via the blind sac subtotal petrosectomy of Fisch.