Case Report: Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Combination With Subdural Space Reduction for the Prevention of Recurrent Hemorrhage Following Hemispherectomy

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Extensive cerebral resections for the treatment of epilepsy may result in a large intracranial dead space that is prone to recurrent hemorrhage, either due to mechanical dislodgement or the development of extensive subdural membranes. Several techniques have been proposed to decrease the risk of hemorrhage by either reducing or filling the remaining intracranial dead space. CLINICAL PRESENTATION We present a case of persistent hemorrhage following functional hemispherectomy in a patient with a large porencephalic cyst. A treatment strategy involving both subdural space reduction and cranial vault filling with a vascularized free latissimus dorsi flap is discussed. CONCLUSION Subdural space reduction and cranial vault filling with a vascularized free latissimus dorsi flap is a viable treatment alternative in patients with large areas of intracranial dead space.