Infections can complicate brain tumor therapy after surgery. Following the initial tumor resection, the surgical site can become infected with a variety of bacteria. Most often, the bacteria are common organisms that normally are present on the surface of the skin. This complication can begin within the first week after surgery, and is manifested by fever and by redness and/or swellling of the surgical site. This may be accompanied by drainage from the surgical wound.

If these signs or symptoms are present, it is imperative that the neurosurgeon be contacted immediately. Wound infections can spread to involve the underlying tissues or bones, or can evolve into meningitis, or even spread to involve the nervous system itself. In all of these cases, prompt attention is critical for successful resolution of the infection.

Reprinted with permission from Heads Up, newsletter of the Brain Tumor Society, Spring 1997. 1-800-934-CURE, info@tbts.org, http://www.tbts.org

As published in the VHL Family Forum 5:3, September 1997. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org.