History of infection control and its contributions to the development and success of brain tumor operations

Abstract

<jats:p>Before advancements in infection control, only conditions that brought patients near death warranted the risk of surgical intervention. If patients survived the operation, infection was nearly inevitable and death by overwhelming sepsis was knocking at their door. In the late 19th century, with the development of germ theory by Louis Pasteur and its subsequent application to surgical sterility by Joseph Lister, surgeons were able to operate with a substantially reduced risk of infection. Consequently, surgeons became more confident and began to explore more extravagant procedures, including elective operations within the cranial vault. As scientific knowledge expanded in the 20th century, so did the advancement of infection control with the use of prophylactic antibiotic drugs, heat sterilization of instruments, and microbial barriers. Recent reports have placed the rate of complications due to infection between 0.75 and 2.32% for intracranial operations.</jats:p>

Postoperative Central Nervous System Infection: Incidence and Associated Factors in 2111 Neurosurgical Procedures

“…The advent of germ theory by Louis Pasteur and its subsequent application to surgical sterilization by Joseph Lister in the late 19th century allowed for a marked reduction in the rates of postoperative sepsis, resulting in an expansion of the depth and breadth of operative neurosurgical procedures that could be performed safely [10][11][12][13]. The safety of neurosurgical procedures was further enhanced by the clinical application of Alexander Fleming's original penicillin mold extract in the 1940s in the operating room through the work of Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, allowing for nonemergent lesions to be treated neurosurgically with a previously unattainable level of postoperative safety, thereby opening the door for elective neurosurgery [14].…”

Infectious disease complications of combat-related injuries

“…The use of gowns, masks, and gloves was introduced in the 1880s to prevent infections and work by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War emphasized sanitation and hygienic practices, methods still in effect today (5,19).…”

Topical antibiotics and neurosurgery: Have we forgotten to study it?

“…[1] This book outlines the practice of using alcoholic beverages and turpentine for wound management. [10] In 1944, Cairns insufflated penicillin and sulfamethazene powder onto war wounds and reported that his neurosurgical experience with topical antibiotic prophylaxis was generally helpful. [2] Perhaps Pennybacker et al .…”