Postoperative infection following craniotomy in adults

Objective. - The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for postoperative infection after craniotomy, a threat for the vital prognosis, in order to define specific prevention measures. Method and patients. - An open prospective study was made on all adult patients undergoing craniotomy and followed 30 days postoperatively. The infections were defined according to CDCA criteria. The parameters studied were: age, sex, ASA and Glasgow scores, neurosurgical history, the type, the moment and the surface of shaving, anti bioprophylaxis, and the type and duration of surgery as well as its emergency level. Results. - One hundred and seventy patients were included. Thirty presented with an infection (17.6%), nine with a skull infection, 13 with meningitis, three with empyema, and two with osteitis. The risk factors identified thanks to a univariate analysis were the emergency level of surgery (P < 0.01), duration of surgery >200 min, and duration of stay in ICU >72 h (P < 0.02). (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.