The Effect of Intrawound Vancomycin Powder in Spine Surgery

Problem: Postoperative wound infection following various spinal surgeries is a serious complication. The incidence of post-surgical wounds in spine surgery is high, and various researchers have reported different infection rates. In addition, increased healthcare costs, prolonged lengths of stay in hospital, and reduced quality of life as a result of surgical site infections (SSI) are also major concerns. Several methods for avoiding SSI, such as betadine irrigation, vacuum-assisted closure, and intra-wound vancomycin powder, have been used to reduce the rate of wound infection in spine surgery. Use of local vancomycin has been popular because of its protective effects and lower cost. According to some reports, prophylactic administration of intra-wound vancomycin powder before wound closure is an effective method for decreasing postoperative wound infection rates; however, other studies have revealed a non-significant effect of intra-wound vancomycin use for decreasing the postsurgical wound infection rate.

Solution: Therefore, the investigators will prospectively randomize all various types of spinal surgeries to patients who will receive intrawound vancomycin powder and control group who will not receive the powder and to see it's effect in reducing the post-surgical infection.