Risk of infection after placement of an extraventricular drainage catheter

Introduction. The occurrence of infection after the placement of an extraventricular drainage (EVD) catheter can be a very serious problem in neurosurgery. Objective. The aim of this study was to confirm that the use of special catheters with impregnated antibiotics decreased the percentage of infection. Methods. The prospective study conducted at the Clinic of Neurosurgery in Niš in the period 2006-2009 is presented. Group 1 comprised of 43 patients in whom a commonly used system for EVD was applied. Group 2 comprised of 39 patients in whom the Rifampycin and Clindamycin impregnated EVD catheters were applied (Bactiseal catheters). Results. In Group 1 infection occurred in nine patients, mainly caused by bacteria of Staphylococcus genus. In Group 2 only two patients developed infections caused by Acinetobacter. Conclusion. The use of Bactiseal EVD catheters considerably decreased the percentage of infection occurrence with prolonged EVD catheter drainage period