Author/Authors :
YW, Chew Department of Orthopaedics - Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim - Sungai Petani - Malaysia , VK, Suppan Department of Orthopaedics - Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim - Sungai Petani - Malaysia , SR, Ashutosh Department of Orthopaedics - Melaka Manipal Medical College - Bukit Baru - Malaysia , MM, Tew Clinical Research Centre - Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim - Sungai Petani - Malaysia , JH, Jimmy-Tan Department of Anaesthetic - Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim - Sungai Petani - Malaysia
Abstract :
The authors describe a case of pneumocephalus following epidural anaesthesia for total knee arthroplasty. Multiple attempts in locating the epidural space for the anaesthesia
and the use of loss of resistance to air (LORA) technique
were identified as the source of air entry. Supportive
management was given including high flow oxygenation
therapy and spontaneous reabsorption of air was noted five
days after surgery. The presence of pneumocephalus should
be kept in mind if patient develops neurological complications postoperatively following epidural anaesthesia.
Keywords :
pneumocephalus , total knee arthroplasty , epidural anaesthesia , loss of resistance to air (LORA)
