The case for excision in the treatment of brain abscess.

A historical review of the literature of brain abscess is made and an examination of the universally high mortality and morbidity figures achieved in the past, mainly with conventional burrhole aspiration. A series of 50 cases of supratentorial brain abscess treated over a period of 12 years by immediate primary excision, is presented with discussion. Mortality rate, including patients in coma on admission, was 6%. Morbidity in survivors was correspondingly low.