antibiotic prophylaxis
Last reviewed 04/2022
The pathogens which cause ventriculitis are usually introduced during the initial surgery, since 70% of infections occur during the first two months.
- evidence suggests perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis suggest that infection is reduced, however the subject is controversial.
An empirical regime involves the intraventricular instillation of broad spectrum antibiotics such as vancomycin and gentamicin during the operation.
Reference:
- Antimicrobial prophylaxis in neurosurgery and after head injury.. Lancet, 1994;344:1547-51.
- Tammy Kielian. Immunopathogenesis of brain abscess. Journal of Neuroinflammation 2004;1:16.