Delayed hemorrhage following microvascular decompression. Three case reports.

Postoperative hemorrhage is one of the most dangerous complications following microvascular decompression (MVD), and usually occurs within the first 24 hours after MVD operation, whereas delayed hemorrhage is extremely rare. The possible mechanisms of acute and delayed postoperative hemorrhage following MVD seem to be different. Three of 685 patients treated by MVD developed delayed hematoma more than 24 hours after surgery, including two cases at the operative site and one at a remote site. The possible causes of such delayed hemorrhage are discussed. Postoperative monitoring is extremely important after the MVD procedure. If any hemorrhage can be identified at the early stage, valuable time can be won for treatment and better outcome.