Surgical Site Infections after glioblastoma surgery: results of a multicentric retrospective study

Glioma grade and post-neurosurgical meningitis risk

BACKGROUND

Post-neurosurgical meningitis (PNM) constitutes a grave complication associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the risk factors predisposing patients to PNM following surgery for low- and high-grade gliomas.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing all patients who underwent glioma surgery involving craniotomy at Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, between 2011 and 2018. Inclusion criteria for PNM were defined as follows: (1) Positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, (2) CSF leukocyte count ≥ 250 × 106/L with granulocyte percentage ≥ 50%, or (3) CSF lactate concentration ≥ 4 mmol/L, detected after glioma surgery. Glioma grades 3-4 were classified as high-grade (n = 261), while grades 1-2 were designated as low-grade (n = 84).

RESULTS

Among the 345 patients included in this study, PNM developed in 7% (n = 25) of cases. The median time interval between glioma surgery and diagnosis of PNM was 12 days. Positive CSF cultures were observed in 7 (28%) PNM cases, with identified pathogens encompassing Staphylococcus epidermidis (3), Staphylococcus aureus (2), Enterobacter cloacae (1), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). The PNM group exhibited a higher incidence of reoperations (52% vs. 18%, p < 0.001) and revision surgery (40% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) in comparison to patients without PNM. Multivariable analysis revealed that reoperation (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.04-6.67) and revision surgery (OR 7.08, 95% CI 2.55-19.70) were significantly associated with PNM, while glioma grade (high-grade vs. low-grade glioma, OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.30-2.22) showed no significant association.

CONCLUSIONS

The PNM rate following glioma surgery was 7%. Patients requiring reoperation and revision surgery were at elevated risk for PNM. Glioma grade did not exhibit a direct link with PNM; however, the presence of low-grade gliomas may indirectly heighten the PNM risk through an increased likelihood of future reoperations. These findings underscore the importance of meticulous post-operative care and infection prevention measures in glioma surgeries.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infection After Cranial Surgery for Patients with Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections after craniotomy (SSI-CRANs) are a serious adverse event given the proximity of the wound to the central nervous system. SSI-CRANs are associated with substantial patient morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance and recognition of this event in other surgical fields, there is a paucity of evidence in the neurosurgical literature devoted to SSI-CRAN specifically in patients after brain tumor surgery.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central were undertaken. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI-CRAN at 30 and 90 days. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for SSI-CRAN.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies reporting 91,907 patients with brain tumors who underwent cranial surgery were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled incidence of SSI-CRAN at 30 and 90 days was 4.03% (95% CI: 2.94%-5.28%, I2 = 97.3) and 6.17% (95% CI: 3.16%-10.07%, I2 = 97.3), respectively. Specifically, incidence of SSI-CRAN following surgery for posterior fossa tumors was the highest at 9.67% (95% CI: 5.98%-14.09%, I2 = 75.5). Overall pooled incidence of readmission within 30 days and reoperation due to SSI-CRAN were 13.9% (95% CI: 12.5%-15.5%, I2 = 0.0) and 16.3% (95% CI: 5.4%-31.3%, I2 = 72.9), respectively. Risk factors for SSI-CRAN included reintervention (risk ratio [RR] 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.04, I2 = 0.0), previous radiotherapy (RR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.20-2.38, I2 = 0.0), longer duration of operation (mean difference 64.18, 95% CI: 3.96-124.40 minutes, I2 = 90.3) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (RR 14.26, 95% CI: 2.14-94.90, I2 = 73.2).

CONCLUSIONS

SSI-CRAN affects up to 1 in 14 patients with brain tumors. High-risk groups include those with reintervention, previous radiotherapy, longer duration of operation, and CSF leaks. Further prospective studies should focus on bundles of care that will reduce SSI-CRAN.

Predicted factors of surgical site infection in glioblastoma patients: A meta-analysis

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the common postoperative complications after craniotomy for glioblastoma patients. Previous studies have investigated the risk factors for SSI in patients with glioblastoma. Whereas big differences in research results exist, and the correlation coefficients of different research results are quite different. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the risk factors related to surgical site infection in patients with glioblastoma. We searched English databases to collect case-control studies or cohort studies published before 15 October 2023 including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 tool. A total of 4 articles (n = 2222) were selected in this meta-analysis. The following risk factors were presented to be correlated with SSI in glioblastoma: irradiation (OR = 1.88, 95% CI [0.46, 7.60]), more than 3 surgeries (OR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.47, 6.08]). Occurrence of SSI is influenced by a variety of factors. Thus, we should pay close attention to high-risk subjects and take crucial targeted interventions to lower the SSI risk following craniotomy. Owing to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.

Surgical site infections after glioblastoma surgery: boon or bane?

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common postoperative complications. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most frequent malignant brain tumor with a dismal prognosis despite combined treatment. The effect of SSIs on the course of glioblastoma patients has not been fully clarified since available data are limited and partially contradictory. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of SSIs on the course of patients with glioblastoma.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients undergoing surgery for glioblastoma between 2010 and 2020 in our institution were scanned and those with surgical site infections after glioblastoma resection were identified and compared to an age-matched control group. Overall survival and progression-free survival were the primary endpoints followed by the number of hospitalizations and the length of stay in hospital.

RESULTS

Out of 305 patients undergoing surgery for glioblastoma, 38 patients with postoperative surgical site infection after resection were identified and 15 (5 men and 10 women aged between 9 and 72) were included in this study. 23 patients were excluded. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched patients without SSI (18 men and 12 women). There were no significant differences in median overall survival. Progression-free survival was higher in the SSI group. The number of hospitalizations and the length of stay were significantly higher in the SSI group.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that SSIs might reduce early recurrences without affecting overall survival. Furthermore, they might decrease health-related quality of life by doubling the total length of hospital stay.

Genomic epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens neurosurgical site infections associated with contaminated haircutting toolkits in a hospital barber shop

BACKGROUND

Nine surgical site infections caused by Serratia marcescens were diagnosed in neurosurgical patients in a 3500-bed hospital between 2nd February and 6th April 2022.

OBJECTIVE

To trace the source of infections caused by S. marcescens to expedite termination of the outbreak and prevent future epidemics.

METHODS

A review of all surgical procedures and cultures yielding S. marcescens since February 2022 was conducted. Samples were collected from patients and environmental sources. S. marcescens isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate genetic relationships. Resistance genes, virulence genes and plasmid replicons were identified.

RESULTS

S. marcescens was isolated from patients' puncture fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and other secretions, and was also cultured from the barbers' haircutting tools, including leather knives, slicker scrapers and razors. In total, 15 isolates were obtained from patients and eight isolates were obtained from haircutting tools. All isolates exhibited identical antibiotic resistance patterns. WGS revealed close clustering among the 23 isolates which differed significantly from previous strains. Three resistance genes and nine virulence-associated genes were detected in all isolates, and 19 of 23 isolates harboured an MOBP-type plasmid. The results confirmed an outbreak of S. marcescens, which was traced to contaminated haircutting tools in the hospital barber shop. The outbreak ended after extensive reinforcement of infection control procedures and re-education of the barbers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the risk of postoperative infections related to pre-operative skin preparation, and demonstrate the value of next-generation sequencing tools to expedite outbreak investigations.

Surgical site infections after elective craniotomy for brain tumor: a study on potential risk factors and related treatments

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following craniotomy that increases morbidity, mortality, and medical expenses. The objectives of this study were to determine the relevant risk factors associated with SSI after elective craniotomy for brain tumor and analyse the treatments for SSI.

METHODS

A retrospective nested case‒control study was conducted using data from patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection at the Neurosurgical Oncology Department No. 6 of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and December 2021. Risk factors for SSI were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We analyzed microbiological and related treatment data for different SSI types.

RESULTS

Among 2061 patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor, 31 had SSI (1.50%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. The most common microorganism isolated from SSIs was Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.9%), and drug sensitivity results showed that gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin and tigecycline, whereas gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to meropenem, cefepime and ceftazidime. Six of the seven patients who underwent bone flap removal due to osteomyelitis were infected with gram-negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. Diabetes mellitus, previous ratio therapy, type of incision, recurrence tumor and other risk factors were not found to be associated with the occurrence of SSI in this study.

Surgical Site Infections in Glioblastoma Patients-A Retrospective Analysis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after craniotomy lead to additional morbidity and mortality for patients, which are related to higher costs for the healthcare system. Furthermore, SSIs are associated with a longer hospital stay for the patient, which is particularly detrimental in glioblastoma patients due to their limited life expectancy. Risk factors for SSIs have already been described for craniotomies in general. However, there is limited data available for glioblastoma patients. As postoperative radiation influences wound healing, very early radiation is suspected to be a risk factor for SSI. Nevertheless, there are no data on the optimal timing of radiotherapy. To define risk factors for these patients, we analyzed our collective. We performed a retrospective analysis of all operations with histological evidence of a glioblastoma between 2012 and 2021. Open biopsy and tumor removal (gross total resection, subtotal resection) were included. Stereotactic biopsies were excluded. Demographic data such as age and gender, as well as duration of surgery, diameter of the trepanation, postoperative radiation with interval, postoperative chemotherapy, highest blood glucose level, previous surgery, ASA score, foreign material introduced, subgaleal suction drainage, ventricle opening and length of hospital stay, were recorded. The need for surgical revision due to infection was registered as an SSI. A total of 177 patients were included, of which 14 patients (7.9%) suffered an SSI. These occurred after a median of 45 days. The group with SSIs tended to include more men (57.1%, p = 0.163) and more pre-operated patients (50%, p = 0.125). In addition, foreign material and subgaleal suction drains had been implanted more frequently and the ventricles had been opened more frequently, without reaching statistical significance. Surprisingly, significantly more patients without SSIs had been irradiated (80.3%, p = 0.03). The results enable a better risk assessment of SSIs in glioblastoma patients. Patients with previous surgery, introduced foreign material, subgaleal suction drain and opening of the ventricle may have a slightly higher for SSIs. However, because none of these factors were significant, we should not call them risk factors. A less radical approach to surgery potentially involving these factors is not justified. The postulated negative role of irradiation was not confirmed, hence a rapid chemoradiation should be induced to achieve the best possible oncologic outcome.

Relationship between characteristics of glioma treatment and surgical site infections

PURPOSE

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after neurosurgery are common in daily practice. Although numerous reports have described SSIs in neurosurgery, reports specific to gliomas are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SSIs and glioma treatment characteristics, such as reoperations, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

METHODS

We examined 1012 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy for glioma between November 2013 and March 2022. SSIs were defined as infections requiring reoperation during the observation period, regardless of their location. We retrospectively analyzed SSIs and patient factors.

RESULTS

During the observation period, SSIs occurred in 3.1% (31/1012). In the univariate analysis, three or more surgeries (P = 0.007) and radiation therapy (P = 0.03) were associated with SSIs, whereas intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not significantly associated (P = 0.35). Three or more surgeries and radiation therapy were significantly correlated with each other (P < .0001); therefore, they were analyzed separately in the multivariate analysis. Three or more surgeries were an independent factor triggering SSIs (P = 0.02); in contrast, radiation therapy was not an independent factor for SSIs (P = 0.07). Several SSIs localized in the skin occurred more than 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Undergoing three or more surgeries for glioma is an independent risk factor for SSIs. Glioma SSIs can occur long after surgery. These results are considered characteristic of gliomas. We recommend careful long-term observation of patients at a high risk of SSIs.

Minimally invasive treatment for glioblastoma through endoscopic surgery including tumor embolization when necessary: a technical note

Background

Although there have been some reports on endoscopic glioblastoma surgery, the indication has been limited to deep-seated lesions, and the difficulty of hemostasis has been a concern. In that light, we attempted to establish an endoscopic procedure for excision of glioblastoma which could be applied even to hypervascular or superficial lesions, in combination with pre-operative endovascular tumor embolization.

Methods

Medical records of six consecutive glioblastoma patients who received exclusive endoscopic removal between September and November 2020 were analyzed. Preoperative tumor embolization was performed in cases with marked tumor stain and proper feeder arteries having an abnormal shape, for instance, tortuous or dilated, without passing through branches to the normal brain. Endoscopic tumor removal through a key-hole craniotomy was performed by using an inside-out excision for a deep-seated lesion, with the addition of an outside-in extirpation for a shallow portion when needed.

Results

Endoscopic removal was successfully performed in all six cases. Before resection, endovascular tumor embolization was performed in four cases with no resulting complications, including ischemia or brain swelling. Gross total resection was achieved in three cases, and near total resection in the other three cases. Intraoperative blood loss exceeded 1,000 ml in only one case, whose tumor showed a prominent tumor stain but no proper feeder artery for embolization. In all patients, a smooth transition to adjuvant therapy was possible with no surgical site infection.

Conclusion

Endoscopic removal for glioblastoma was considered to be a promising procedure with minimal invasiveness and a favorable impact on prognosis.

Prolonged survival in patients with local chronic infection after high-grade glioma treatment: Two case reports

High-grade gliomas are primary brain tumors with poor prognosis, despite surgical treatment followed by radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy. We present two cases of long-term survival in patients treated for high-grade glioma and concomitant prolonged bacterial wound infection. The first patient treated for glioblastoma IDH-wildtype had been without disease progression for 61 months from the first resected recurrence. Despite incomplete chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in the second patient with anaplastic astrocytoma IDH-mutant, she died without disease relapse after 14 years from the diagnosis due to other comorbidities. We assume that the documented prolonged survival could be related to the bacterial infection.

Predictors of surgical site infection in glioblastoma patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infections (SSIs) burden patients and healthcare systems, often requiring additional intervention. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between preoperative predictors inclusive of scalp incision type and postoperative SSI following glioblastoma resection.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed cases of glioblastoma resection performed at their institution from December 2006 to December 2019 and noted preoperative demographic and clinical presentations, excluding patients missing these data. Preoperative nutritional indices were available for a subset of cases. Scalp incisions were categorized as linear/curvilinear, reverse question mark, trapdoor, or frontotemporal. Patients were dichotomized by SSI incidence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of SSI.

RESULTS

A total of 911 cases of glioblastoma resection were identified, 30 (3.3%) of which demonstrated postoperative SSI. There were no significant differences in preoperative malnutrition or number of surgeries between SSI and non-SSI cases. The SSI cases had a significantly lower preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) than the non-SSI cases (63.0 vs 75.1, p < 0.0001), were more likely to have prior radiation history (43.3% vs 26.4%, p = 0.042), and were more likely to have received steroids both preoperatively and postoperatively (83.3% vs 54.5%, p = 0.002). Linear/curvilinear incisions were more common in non-SSI than in SSI cases (56.9% vs 30.0%, p = 0.004). Trapdoor scalp incisions were more frequent in SSI than non-SSI cases (43.3% vs 24.2%, p = 0.012). On multivariable analysis, a lower preoperative KPS (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), a trapdoor scalp incision (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.37–8.49), and combined preoperative and postoperative steroid administration (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.41–10.7) were independently associated with an elevated risk of postoperative SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicated that SSI risk following craniotomy for glioblastoma resection may be elevated in patients with a low preoperative KPS, a trapdoor scalp incision during surgery, and steroid treatment both preoperatively and postoperatively. These data may help guide future operative decision-making for these patients.

The Survival Benefit of Postoperative Bacterial Infections in Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme: Myth or Reality?

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor, universally carries a poor prognosis. Despite aggressive multimodality treatment, the median survival is ~18-20 months, depending on molecular subgroups. A long history of observations suggests antitumor effects of bacterial infections against malignant tumors. The present review summarizes and critically analyzes the clinical data providing evidence for or against the survival benefit of post-operative bacterial infections in GBM patients. Furthermore, we explore the probable underlying mechanism(s) from basic science studies on the topic. There are plausible explanations from immunobiology for the mechanism of the "favorable effect" of bacterial infections in GBM patients. However, available clinical literature does not provide a definitive association between postoperative bacterial infection and prolonged survival in GBM patients. The presently available, single-/multi-center and national database retrospective case-control studies on the topic provide conflicting results. A prospective randomized study on the subject is clearly not possible. Immunobiology literature supports development of genetically modified bacteria as part of multimodal regimen against GBM.