ABSTRACT

Venous air embolism is a complication with high mortality and morbidity that may occur in neurosurgical operations, especially in patients in the semi-sitting, sitting and even supine position. In a patient who underwent surgery because of a tumor located in the cerebellum, end tidal CO2, O2 saturation and systemic blood pressure decreased suddenly during the operation. The aeration of the left lung was restricted and a pansystolic cardiac murmur was auscultated. Air was aspirated from the central catheter of the patient, who was thought to have developed venous air embolism, and hemodynamic stability was reassured. At the end of the operation, the patient was awakened and extubated. In this case, the potential complications were prevented by standard optimum monitoring and early intervention. The aim of this case report is to emphasize that the close follow-up of patients undergoing neurosurgical operations in the semi-sitting, sitting or supine positions with central venous catheterization and arterial monitoring in addition to the standard monitoring is important in the early diagnosis and treatment of possible complications.

Keywords: Craniotomy, complications, neurosurgery, sitting position, venous air embolism