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, antibioprophylaxis, 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).