Lethal Intracranial Injury as a Complication of Septorhinoplasty; A Case Report

Aims: Nasal septoplasty is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures with several common and uncommon complications. Although rare, intracranial adverse events of septorhinoplasty are life-threatening, and there are few case reports of fatal intracranial complications. Patient & Methods: A healthy ۴۷-year-old woman underwent septorhinoplasty, then had a decreased level of consciousness and finally died due to subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage caused by a bone fragment isolated from the fractured sphenoid sinus. Findings: The complication was attributed to the surgeon's carelessness, and he was considered liable for patient death due to medical negligence. Conclusion: Surgeon experience in septoplasty surgery is essential, and meticulous attention to anatomical landmarks is paramount to prevent a serious outcome that may lead to patient death and surgeon conviction.

Keywords:

Nasal Septum , Skull Base , Autopsy , Medical Errors