Hello-
I am new to this group and looking for guidance/support from anyone who has suffered from an infection post craniotomy. I recently underwent a successful AVM resection in my frontal lobe, and felt fantastic until about three weeks later when I developed what was thought to be a superficial surgical site infection. After completing oral antibiotics I was back to myself...until a week later the infection came roaring back. I underwent an emergency craniectomy for an infected bone flap, and I will need some type of plate implanted in about 3months. I am terrified of another surgery AND I also read reinfection rates for cranioplasty is high. If anyone has had a similar experience or can offer any support I would appreciate it.
Thanks.
Hi Erin. I don't have experience with your situation, but unfortunately there are sometimes infections/complications from surgery. Sorry you need to go through another surgery, but it sounds like it is a necessary one. I just wanted to say that we are here for you, so please come here to talk if you are feeling scared. Hugs!
Sadly secondary infection is common place. I to had a frontal lobe avm removal craniotomy. About 3 weeks later I had a clear liquid coming from the surgical site. I was admitted to hospital and a swab came back as MSSA same as MRSA but sensitive to antibiotics. I was discharged and had to return every 2 days for dressing changes. Basically I had a thumb size part of the skin that had died and it exposed stitching underneath. I was lucky and retained my bone flap however 1 year later the flap became loose after sneezing and even after this time I face having it removed but refused and three years later I still have my original bone with little problems other than the odd pain but I think that's psychological . I hope all goes well for you
Hello,
Welcome to the group, I am sorry that you need to go through another craniotomy, they are not pleasant I did not require another surgery but I know that it would be terrifying, we are all here for support in any way.
Hugs to you!!
Hi Erin. Based on your other posts/replies, I am very glad that this complication got resolved for you. My wife is in the exactly same boat, She had a successful resection of the AVM in the right frontal lobe, but developed a bone flap infection. Can you tell me the kind and duration of the antibiotics treatment that you received after your bone flap removal surgery (Craniectomy)? How long was the gap for you between cranioplasty and craniectomy? How was the recovery post cranioplasty?
Hi! Iām sorry to hear your wife also had a post surgical site infection. That was the hardest part of my recovery both emotionally and physically. I believe it was about 3 weeks after the surgery that the infection started. I was first treated with oral antibiotics, which did not work, so was then treated with an IV antibiotic for several months via PICC line. After the course of antibiotics, I was told to let things continue healing for a few more months then went in for the cranioplasty- in total it was about six months. That surgery was super easy compared to everything else! I was able to go back to work about a month after that surgery. I hope your wife has a similar experience with the cranioplasty! Sending well wishes your way!
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