[Intracranial purulent collections. Review of 34 surgically treated cases in 12 years (1989-2000)]

Neurocirugia (Astur). 2002 Feb;13(1):6-14. doi: 10.1016/s1130-1473(02)70642-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We made a revision of 34 cases of intracerebral supurations (31 brain abscesses and 3 subdural empyemas) treated at our department of neurosurgery of "Mutua de Terrassa" during the period of 1989-2000. Treatment used was tapping of the abscess and aspiration in 28 cases and craneotomy and resection in only two cases. Three subdural empyemas were treated with burr-holes and aspiration. Results were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months after discharge, resulting in 7 deaths (20.6%), 17 fully recovered patients (50%) and 10 with minor deficits (29.4%). Glasgow Coma Score at admission and the age were the unique variables significantly correlated with the final outcome. After analyzing the cost of treatment in our patients we suggest using antibiotic ambulatory treatment when the disease shows an adequate clinical and radiological response, thus permitting to shorten the usually long period of hospitalization of patients with intracerebral supurative diseases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Abscess / surgery*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies