Intraoperative oxygen embolus and tension pneumocephalus: Is hydrogen peroxide the culprit?

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) irrigation is commonly utilised in neurosurgical and non-neurosurgical procedures for its bactericidal and haemostatic effects. Tension pneumocephalus and venous air embolism are potentially disastrous neurological complications mostly seen after intracranial surgery in sitting position and trauma. We present a case of oxygen embolus and tension pneumocephalus after H2O2 irrigation during craniotomy in supine position.

Keywords

• embolism
• hydrogen peroxide
• tension pneumocephalus