Treatment of ventriculostomy-related infections.

The results of the treatment of 15 cases of ventriculitis related to the use of external ventricular drainage are presented. A review of the literature on the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections combined with our data suggest the following treatment of ventriculostomy-related ventriculitis: 1. Antibiotic treatment according to the resistance pattern of the infecting microorganism and 2. Removal or replacement of the ventricular drain. 3. One should wait for bacteriological cure before implanting a permanent internal drainage system.