To evaluate the impact of microbiological diagnostics on outcomes in brain abscess surgery.
Retrospective cohort study design
Assessment of outcomes post-aspiration or excision
Investigation of PCR diagnostics effectiveness in clinical practice
Insufficient power to detect outcome differences between aspiration and excision
Increased diagnostic yield noted with the use of PCR diagnostics
Abstract
Our study was underpowered to assess differences in outcome after aspiration or excision of brain abscesses. The addition of PCR diagnostics increases diagnostic yield in a routine clinical setting.