[Surgical Site Infection Following Craniotomies]

Surgical site infections(SSIs)remain a significant complication of craniotomies, with a reported incidence ranging from 1% to 8%. SSIs are generally categorized as superficial, deep incisional, and organ/space SSIs. Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are essential for determining the depth of infection. Lumbar puncture is also helpful for the diagnosis of meningitis; however, imaging studies should be performed prior lumbar puncture to minimize the risk of cerebral herniation. While superficial SSIs can be resolved with antibiotics, all deeper SSIs except meningitis generally require surgical interventions, including wound wash-out and debridement of necrotic tissues and artificial materials, followed by 6-8 weeks of medical treatment using broad-spectrum antibiotics. Administration of antibiotics may be deferred until the specimens are corrected to increase the detection rate of causative microorganisms. Various factors are known to be associated with SSIs; thus, evidence-based efforts should be made to decrease the incidence of SSIs.