CSF TLC

My brother has undergone surgery for the removal of brain tumor in Left Temporal Lobe on 10th of June. Doctors said the operation is a success and they have removed 80% of the tumor and left 20% to be treated by radiation. Their statement was seconded by later lab reports. However after the removal of stitch there was CSF leakage. Initially we took it lightly owing to our ignorance and when it become a concern we readmitted him to the hospital where Doctor says that CSF TLC is 1020 which should be under 10. They also added that it is due to infection and we have to control this. As of today CSF TLC is 400 and according to doctor they will wait till 14th of JULY after which they will operate it.

              There is also a chance of bone infection. Currently CSF is being discharged from the spine and being tested. when discharge occur there is severe headache. We are unable to understand what is going on. Can any one please help???

[Michael Lim, MD]

I am assuming that TLC is the total lymphocyte count.  If so, it sounds like your brother suffered from a post-operative infection.  Infections are a risk from surgery and often time need to be treated with antibiotics.  By the TLC going down, it is likely indicative of a infection responding to the antibiotics.  Your doctors may be waiting to operate to see if the infection can be treated effectively enough by the antibiotics to avoid having to remove his bone.  In terms of CSF being discharged from the brain, I assume they are using a little cathetar to divert the CSF away from the head to allow for the incision to heal.  Patients can sometimes have headaches due to the drain or from the infection.