Role of topical vancomycin in reduction of postoperative infections in head trauma patients: A developing country experience

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cranial wound infections are a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and financial burden, especially in developing countries. METHODS: We prospectively studied 86 patients in a randomized trial; 39 patients received one gram of topical vancomycin powder in the subgaleal space while 47 matched control patients did not. Both groups received identical intraoperative and post-operative care. The primary outcome variable was the postoperative wound infections rate factored by cohort. Secondary outcomes were the timing of infection and the rate of adverse events. RESULTS: Adding topical vancomycin was associated with a significantly lower rate of infection than the standard of care alone (2.6% [1/39] vs. 14.9% [7/47], P =.004). No adverse reactions occurred. CONCLUSION: Topical vancomycin is safe, and effective in the prevention of surgical site infections following craniotomy. These findings have broad consequences for neurosurgery practice, especially in developing countries with high incidence of head trauma.