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Surgical site infections after pediatric intracranial surgery for craniofacial malformations: frequency and risk

Laurence C Yeung1, Michael L Cunningham, Amanda L Allpress

  • 1School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Neurosurgery
|March 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a concern in pediatric intracranial surgery for craniofacial malformations. Complicated diagnoses and longer surgeries increase SSI risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common and serious complications following pediatric intracranial surgery for craniofacial malformations.
  • Limited research exists on the incidence and risk factors for SSIs in this specific patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of SSIs after pediatric intracranial surgery for craniofacial malformations.
  • To identify factors associated with the development of SSIs in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review of 254 patients undergoing 281 intracranial procedures over a 6-year period.
  • Comparison of patients with SSIs (cases) to those without SSIs (controls) using National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System criteria.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of SSIs was 3.2% (9 out of 281 procedures).
  • Factors associated with SSIs included complicated diagnoses (e.g., syndromic craniosynostosis), prolonged surgery (>426 minutes), skin closure under tension, multiple surgeons (>4), extended pediatric intensive care unit stay (>2 days), and post-operative ventilator use.

Conclusions:

  • Complicated diagnoses and several surgical and post-operative factors are significantly associated with SSIs in pediatric craniofacial surgery.
  • These factors may serve as markers for increased SSI risk, warranting consideration in future research and clinical practice.
Abstract

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