A rare post-operative complication in epidermoid cyst cases: delayed intracranial hemorrhage (report of 15cases)

Abstract

Objective To introduce a rare post-operative complication,delayed intracranial hemorrhage in epidermoid cyst cases,to summarize its clinical features and improve the prognosis.Methods A1l epidermoid cyst cases treated in our department from Jam 1985 to Dec.2008 were retrospectively reviewed.The clinical features and high risk factors were analyzed in the cases suffered from delayred intracranial hemorrhage.Results In all 737 epidermoid cyst cases.719 cases underwent operation,delayed intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 15 cases(2.0%),5 Male and 10 female cases,the mean age was 39±8 yrs,the hemorrhage occurred during 9±3.7 days postoperatively,10 of the 15 cases dead.Conclusion In intracranial epidermoid cyst cases.the postoperative period between 5th to 18th days is the high risk time-window for delayed intracranial hemorrhage,there was no statistically significant risk factor available at present,so neurosurgeon should be cautious with this rare complication. Key words: Intracranial epidermoid cyst; Delayed intracranial hemorrhage; Postoperative complication