Chapter 18 ■ Subdural Tap 111

F. Complications (8,9)

1. Subdural bleeding from laceration of the superior sagittal sinus or smaller vessels or from removal of excessive

fluid with shift of intracranial contents and rebleeding

2. Development of chronic subdural fluid collection

(14,15)

 This complication may develop more frequently in

infants treated with subdural tap. In one case series,

41.6% of patients treated with subdural tap developed

chronic subdural collections, compared with 13% of

those treated with craniotomy (15).

3. Subgaleal fluid or blood accumulation

4. Failure of the procedure to remove clotted subdural

blood

5. Infection

 In one small case series, 1 of 12 infants (8%) treated

with subdural tap developed subdural empyema after

multiple taps (15).

6. Trauma to the underlying cortex caused by inserting

the needle too far

7. Fistula formation after repeated taps

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