Case report

Wartime Craniobasal Injuries in Southern Croatia

Mario Tudor
Lorainne Tudor
Katarina Ivana Tudor

Abstract

During the war in Croatia (1991-1995), 26 patients with craniobasal (facio-orbital) injuries were treated in southern Croatia. Numerous complications that accompany these lesions give them specific neurosurgical importance. Patient records were retrospectively analyzed in order to assess outcome in this group of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula was observed in one third of the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula based infection occurred in over 50% of cases. Endocranially located retained foreign bodies were seen in 10 patients. A higher rate of reoperation (mostly for cerebrospinal fluid fistula) was recorded in this group of patients as compared with other sites of head injuries. Favorable outcome was recorded in 18 and unfavorable outcome in 8 patients, whereas 3 patients died. This survey of patient records showed it to be of utmost importance to follow the well defined neurosurgical policy according to which the primary wound repair (especially of the torn basal dura mater) should be a definitive one. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula, retained foreign bodies, low Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, and reoperation exert an unfavorable effect on patient outcome.

Keywords

Brain injuries - epidemiology; Craniobasal trauma - complications; War; Wounds, penetrating - complications; Croatia

Hrčak ID:

14258

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/14258

Publication date:

1.6.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 1.642 *