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Neurosurgical Infections
Elie Sader1, Justin Moore2, Anna M Cervantes-Arslanian3
1Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Seminars in Neurology
|September 19, 2019
Summary
Neurosurgical site infections are common complications following cranial and spinal surgeries, even minor procedures. This review covers infection epidemiology, microbiology, risk factors, and treatment for neurosurgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Neurosurgical interventions are critical but carry risks, including infections.
- Infections can complicate major cranial/spinal surgeries and minor procedures using devices like external ventricular drains, shunts, and deep brain stimulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and microbiology of neurosurgical infections.
- To discuss general and procedure-specific risk factors for these infections.
- To outline current treatment options for neurosurgical site infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology and microbiology.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with neurosurgical procedures.
- Synthesis of treatment strategies for neurosurgical infections.
Main Results:
- Infections are a frequent and potentially fatal complication in neurosurgical patients.
- Risk factors vary depending on the specific neurosurgical procedure performed.
- Timely and appropriate treatment is crucial for patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding infection patterns and risk factors is key to prevention and management.
- Multifaceted approaches are needed to combat neurosurgical site infections.
- Further research may refine treatment protocols and improve patient survival rates.
