Subgaleal haematoma resulting in extradural compression following craniotomy. Report of two cases

Abstract

We describe two patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm surgery and developed postoperative subgaleal haematomas which, in the presence of an unfixed bone flap, resulted in significant extradural compression and a marked clinical deterioration. The application of a pressure dressing to tamponade a developing scalp haematoma is unwise unless the bone flap has been rigidly fixed in place.

Key Words:

• Bone flap depression
• compression head bandage
• subgaleal haematoma