[Postoperative epidural hematoma - five case of epidural hematomas developed after supratentorial craniotomy on the contralateral side (author's transl)].

Postoperative epidural hematomas developed far from the operative field are generally recognized as a complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, ventricular drainage or suboccipital craniotomy. It is very rare but may occur after supratentorial craniotomy on the contralateral side. Five such cases are presented with a review of the relevant literature. The mechanism of this complication is not clearly understood. In hydrocephalus, these massive epidural hematomas are probably caused by dura-skull detachment when the brain volume is strikingly reduced by a decompressive procedure. On rare occasions, pins of head rest may detach the dura and cause epidural hematomas. When sudden brain swelling during craniotomy is encountered, attention should be directed not only to intracerebral hemorrhage but also epidural hematoma developed on the contralateral side.