Epidemiological Pattern and Outcome of Surgically Treated Cranial and Intracranial Suppurative Lesions in a Public Tertiary Health Institution in Anambra: A 13-Year Experience Surgically-managed, cranial, suppurative, lesions, Anambra

Abstract

Background: The improvement and increasing availability of diagnostic and treatment armamentarium has continued to improve the outcome of cranial and intracranial abscesses. Over the years, the epidemiological pattern, aetiology and outcome varied with regions. Objective: We present here the patterns and outcome of management of these lesions in a tertiary health institution in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients managed for cranial and intracranial suppurative lesions between 2007 and 2020. Demographic data, aetiology, presenting symptoms, site of lesions, surgery done and outcome were collected and analysed with simple descriptive statistical tools like mean, median, standard deviation as well as charts and tables. Ethical clearance was obtained. Results: There were 1432 neurosurgical procedures done in the period, 43 of which were cranial and intracranial abscesses accounting for 3.0% (43/1432). Male preponderance (30/43) was observed. Most of the patients were below 5 years (12/43). For the entire cranial and intracranial lesions, frontal lobe was the most common lobe affected anatomic area (19/43). More than one lobe was affected in 58.1% (25/43) of cases. Craniectomy was the most common surgery done. Average length of hospital stay was 6.3±4.2 weeks. Recently, the number of cases treated per year is on the increase. Four mortalities were recorded. Conclusion: Young males are more affected. Frontal lobe is the most affected anatomic region. Near 10% mortality was recorded. Increasing cases are being witnessed in the facility hence there is a need for improved capacity to manage the emerging trend.