Surgical management and functional outcomes of cranial infections requiring craniotomy or craniectomy: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire
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Outcomes and Surgical Approaches for Cranial Infections Necessitating Craniotomy or Craniectomy: A Retrospective Analysis

  • By

  • Daniel W. Griepp

  • Shivum Desai

  • Heather Heitkotter

  • Rabia Ahmed

  • Avery Roe

  • Bryce K. Sarcar

  • Ishan Perera

  • Joshua Caskey

  • Jeffrey P. Turnbull

  • Julio Rosado Philippi

  • Elise J. Yoon

  • Ammar Alsalahi

  • James Dragonette

  • Anna T. K. Griepp

  • Clifford M. Houseman

  • Prashant Kelkar

  • Chad F. Claus

  • Boyd F. Richards

  • Daniel A. Carr

  • June 22, 2026

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Outcomes and Surgical Approaches for Cranial Infections Necessitating Craniotomy

Overview

This study presents a 10-year retrospective analysis of patients undergoing craniotomy or craniectomy for cranial infections. Key findings include a high culture yield and significant associations between poor outcomes and pre-existing comorbidities.

Background

Cranial infections requiring surgical intervention are a significant clinical challenge, with incidence rates varying widely. These infections can arise from surgical site infections or spontaneous processes, necessitating complex management strategies.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Number of Patients43
Mean Age55.5 years
Positive Cultures41/43
Good Outcomes (mRS 0-3)25/38 (65.8%)
Higher Craniectomy Rate (SSI)76.2%

Key Findings

  • Positive cultures were found in 41 out of 43 patients.
  • Common pathogens included Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus intermedius.
  • 65.8% of evaluable survivors achieved good functional outcomes (mRS 0-3).
  • Patients with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index had poorer outcomes (p < 0.02).
  • Patients with underlying high-grade glioma or metastatic disease had worse outcomes (p = 0.04).

Clinical Implications

Pre-existing comorbidities significantly impact functional recovery in patients undergoing surgery for cranial infections. Surgical site infections are associated with a higher likelihood of requiring craniectomy.

Conclusion

This analysis highlights the importance of considering patient comorbidities in predicting outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Henry Ford Health System, Outcomes and Surgical Approaches for Cranial Infections, 2025 -- A Retrospective Analysis
  2. Innovative Approaches in Neuroplastic Cranial Reconstruction: Interdisciplinary Strategies for Managing Neurosurgical Wound Healing Issues – An Observational Analysis
  3. Surgical Approaches and Clinical Insights for Cranial Meningiomas with Bone Involvement
  4. Insights Gained from Cranioplasty After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement
  5. Effects of Utilizing Drains After Cranioplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  6. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Patient Safety Component Manual
  7. A systematic review of management strategies for post-craniotomy surgical site infections
  8. Subdural Empyema - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Original Source(s)

Surgical management and functional outcomes of cranial infections requiring craniotomy or craniectomy: a retrospective cohort study

  • by Daniel W. Griepp, Shivum Desai, Heather Heitkotter, Rabia Ahmed, Avery Roe, Bryce K. Sarcar, Ishan Perera, Joshua Caskey, Jeffrey P. Turnbull, Julio Rosado Philippi, Elise J. Yoon, Ammar Alsalahi, James Dragonette, Anna T. K. Griepp, Clifford M. Houseman, Prashant Kelkar, Chad F. Claus, Boyd F. Richards, Daniel A. Carr

  • June 22, 2026

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