Surgical Aspects of Nontuberculous Bacterial Meningitis in Infancy and Childhood: The Successful Use of Conservative Surgery in Management of Some of Its Complications

Abstract

At the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, congenital malformations of the central nervous system were important predisposing factors to meningitis. Among 80 patients who survived the acute illnes, the main complications encountered, in order of frequency, were hydrocephalus (12), subdural effusion (4) and intracranial abscess (3). Postmeningitic hydrocephalus was the least dangerous complication with regard to survival, and required a shunt operation only when rapidly progressive. Intracranial abscess was the most lethal complication. Subdural effusions were successfully treated by repeated subdural tapping in 75 per cent of the cases.