Hydrocephalus as a Complication of Durotomy during Cervical Laminoplasty: A Case Report
10.4184/jkss.2018.25.2.69
- Author:
Jemin YI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. firekimdo@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
2018;25(2):69-73
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES:We report a case of hydrocephalus as a complication of durotomy during cervical laminoplasty.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Hydrocephalus is a very rare complication of cervical laminoplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:A 72-year-old man had an incidental durotomy during cervical laminoplasty. The dural leak was repaired by secondary surgery. However, the patient continued to complain of headaches and developed confusion and drowsiness. A computed tomographic scan of the brain showed hydrocephalus. After insertion of a lumbar drain, the patient experienced a temporary improvement in the neurologic symptoms. After 6 months, the neurologic symptoms recurred and a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed.
RESULTS:After placement of the VP shunt, the neurologic symptoms improved significantly.
CONCLUSIONS:If a patient shows deterioration of neurologic symptoms after an incidental durotomy, surgeons should consider the possibility of hydrocephalus.
