Pseudomonas meningitis complicating head and neck surgery

Three patients, each of whom had Pseudomonas meningitis as a sequela of an extensive head and neck operation, have been treated successfully. All three patients had cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and operative management of this complication is discussed. Antibiotic management included the parenteral administration of the recently developed drugs gentamicin, carbenicillin, and intrathecal gentamicin. Since extensive head and neck operations are being performed, with increasing frequency and since infectious complications are inevitable, it is mandatory that the otolaryngologist be familiar with current methods of managing these potentially lethal conditions.