• Joshua J Wind, Chima Ohaegbulam, Fabio M Iwamoto, Peter M Black, and John K Park.
• Surgical and Molecular Neuro-oncology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
• World Neurosurg. 2013 Jan 1; 79 (1): 207.e11-3.

ObjectivePostcraniotomy infections have generally been treated by debridement of infected tissues, disposal of the bone flap, and delayed cranioplasty several months later to repair the resulting skull defect. Debridement followed by retention of the bone flap has also been advocated. Here we propose an alternative operative strategy for the treatment of postcraniotomy infections.MethodsTwo patients presenting with clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of postcraniotomy infections were treated by debridement, bone flap disposal, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty. The patients were subsequently administered antibiotics, and their clinical courses were followed.ResultsThe patients treated in this fashion did not have recurrence of their infections during 3-year follow-up periods.ConclusionsSurgical debridement, bone flap disposal, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty may be a suitable option for the treatment of postcraniotomy infections. This treatment strategy facilitates the eradication of infectious sources and obviates the risks and costs associated with a second surgical procedure.Published by Elsevier Inc.

24 keywords...

hide…