Lumbar Drain Infection Rates: A Comprehensive Risk Factor Analysis From a Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1000+ Cases
Published research co-authored by Mr Gordan Grahovac
This study examined infection after lumbar drain insertion, a method used to divert cerebrospinal fluid in neurosurgical care. It helps identify factors that may increase or reduce infection risk, which can support safer planning and monitoring.
Research snapshot
Article title: Lumbar Drain Infection Rates: A Comprehensive Risk Factor Analysis From a Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1000+ Cases
Authors: Asfand Baig Mirza, Maria Alexandra Velicu, Amisha Vastani, et al.
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: 1 March 2026
Publication details: Neurosurgery. 2026;98(3):552-560. Epub 28 July 2025.
PMID: 40719454
PMCID:
DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003662
Study type: Retrospective multicentre cohort study
Mr Grahovac’s involvement: Listed author on the publication
Original publication: View the original publication on PubMed
What this paper looked at
This paper looked at lumbar drain infection in adult neurosurgical patients. The study reviewed more than 1,000 lumbar drain cases across four neurosurgical units over a 15-year period to explore infection incidence, causative factors and risk factors.
Key points from the publication
The publication reported 1,017 lumbar drain cases and an overall infection rate of 11.4% in the abstract available through indexed records. Reported risk factors included steroid use, drain timing and duration, out-of-hours surgery and cerebrospinal fluid leak or drain-site problems. The authors also identified factors associated with lower infection risk, including insertion during the primary surgery.
Clinical relevance
Lumbar drain infection can cause significant morbidity, so understanding modifiable risk factors is important for surgical planning, infection control, patient counselling and postoperative monitoring.
What this means in context
The findings should be interpreted as risk information from a retrospective multicentre cohort, not as a prediction for any individual patient. Drain use, timing, removal and infection-prevention decisions depend on the clinical indication, operative context and specialist judgement.
View the original publication
You can view the original peer-reviewed publication through PubMed or via the article DOI.
View the original publication on PubMed
About Mr Gordan Grahovac
Mr Gordan Grahovac is a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Complex Spinal Surgeon with expertise in managing complex spinal and neurosurgical conditions.
His work includes the assessment and treatment of patients with degenerative spinal conditions, spinal cord compression, spinal tumours, complex spinal pathology and conditions requiring specialist neurosurgical input.
His approach focuses on careful diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning and helping patients understand their options clearly.
Important note
This page is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as individual medical advice.
If you or someone you know has symptoms such as worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, changes in speech, seizures, balance problems or symptoms following a head injury, seek urgent medical advice.
