Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postoperative Meningitis in Neurosurgery

Shaobo SHI; Qianzheng SU; Jinyong LONG; Liming FENG; Xiaobin XU; Huatao NIU

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Shaobo SHI, Qianzheng SU, Jinyong LONG, Liming FENG, Xiaobin XU, Huatao NIU. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postoperative Meningitis in Neurosurgery[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

Citation:

Shaobo SHI, Qianzheng SU, Jinyong LONG, Liming FENG, Xiaobin XU, Huatao NIU. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postoperative Meningitis in Neurosurgery[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postoperative Meningitis in Neurosurgery

1.
Department of Neurosurgery，The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University，Yunnan Cancer Hospital，Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan，Kunming Yunnan 650118
2.
Department of Neurosurgery，People’s Hospital of Jinping County，Jinping Yunnan 661599，China

Received Date: 2026-01-16

Abstract

Abstract

Postoperative meningitis in neurosurgery poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment owing to its complex pathogenesis, nonspecific clinical manifestations, a diverse pathogen spectrum, and marked antimicrobial resistance. This review centers on the core pathophysiological mechanisms, including disruption of anatomical barriers and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, implant-associated biofilm formation, host susceptibility, and nosocomial infections. It systematically delineates the evolving etiological characteristics, with particular emphasis on recent advances in rapid pathogen detection technologies—such as metagenomic next-generation sequencing （mNGS） and multiplex PCR—as well as the clinical application of empirical antimicrobial therapy, pathogen-targeted therapy, and intraventricular drug administration. Furthermore, the review highlights the pivotal role of surgical source control （e.g., removal of infected materials, management of external ventricular drains, and repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks） and multidisciplinary collaboration in refractory cases. Finally, it discusses the development of preventive systems and future directions, including artificial intelligence and nano-based drug delivery, and proposes a clinical pathway transitioning from empirical management to precision individualized therapy, thereby providing a reference for the comprehensive management of postoperative meningitis in neurosurgery.
- Neurosurgery,
- Postoperative meningitis,
- Multidrug-resistant organisms,
- Intraventricular therapy,
- Biofilm,
- Artificial intelligence

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References(58)

References

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