Surgical site infections in open craniotomy – a narrative literature review

Open craniotomies are modern surgical interventions that, despite their high complication rates, including postoperative infections, remain a reliable choice due to their favorable surgical outcomes. They are often used in conjunction with other methods to enhance treatment efficacy. A critical review of 191 sources was conducted, identifying 64 relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024 that met stringent inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Afterwards 3 additional selective studies were included in the review. Elective methods, in conjunction with open craniotomies, have been found to be reliable treatment options for neurosurgical conditions. Th e risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) is primarily influenced by factors such as anatomical anomalies and the presence of highly resistant bacterial species. Advances in antibiotic engineering are aimed at providing effective treatment options for these infections. SSIs are critical considerations in every open craniotomy, irrespective of the additional treatment methods employed.