Persistent brainstem abscess requiring repeat microsurgical drainage: case report

In this paper, we present a patient who was treated for a pontine abscess at our institution. This patient underwent sub-occipital craniotomy for microscopic abscess drainage after which cultures grew Streptococcus intermedius. She was treated with antibiotics but failed to show clinical improvement and was taken back to the operating room for repeat abscess drainage. Clinical improvement was seen after the second operation. This case report describes open surgical technique as a safe and effective way of treating brainstem abscess.