The Incidence of Pneumocephalus after Supratentorial Craniotomy

These data indicate that all patients have pneumocephalus immediately after a supratentorial craniotomy. Although the incidence and size of pneumocephali decrease over time, a significant number of patients have an intracranial air collection large enough to put them at risk for complication if N2O is used during a second anesthetic in the first 3 weeks after the first procedure. This information should be considered in the evaluation of the patient and in the selection of anesthetic agents.