Intrawound Vancomycin Decreases the Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Spine Surgery: A Multicenter Analysis.

Abstract

Study design

Secondary analysis of data from a prospective multicenter observational study.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with and without intrawound vancomycin application controlling for confounding factors associated with higher SSI after elective spine surgery.

Summary of background data

SSI is a morbid and expensive complication associated with spine surgery. The application of intrawound vancomycin is rapidly emerging as a solution to reduce SSI following spine surgery. The impact of intrawound vancomycin has not been systematically studied in a well-designed multicenter study.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective spine surgery over a period of 4 years at seven spine surgery centers across the United States were included in the study. Patients were dichotomized on the basis of whether intrawound vancomycin was applied. Outcomes were occurrence of SSI within postoperative 30 days and SSI that required return to the operating room (OR). Multivariable random-effect log-binomial regression analyses were conducted to determine the relative risk of having an SSI and an SSI with return to OR.

Results

.: A total of 2056 patients were included in the analysis. Intrawound vancomycin was utilized in 47% (n = 966) of patients. The prevalence of SSI was higher in patients with no vancomycin use (5.1%) than those with use of intrawound vancomycin (2.2%). The risk of SSI was higher in patients in whom intrawound vancomycin was not used (relative risk (RR) -2.5, P < 0.001), increased number of levels exposed (RR -1.1, P = 0.01), and those admitted postoperatively to intensive care unit (ICU) (RR -2.1, P = 0.005). Patients in whom intrawound vancomycin was not used (RR -5.9, P < 0.001), increased number of levels were exposed (RR-1.1, P = 0.001), and postoperative ICU admission (RR -3.3, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for SSI requiring a return to the OR.

Conclusion

The intrawound application of vancomycin after posterior approach spine surgery was associated with a reduced risk of SSI and return to OR associated with SSI.

Level of evidence

2.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1097/brs.0000000000001371

Publication Info

Devin, Clinton J, Silky Chotai, Matthew J McGirt, Alexander R Vaccaro, Jim A Youssef, Douglas G Orndorff, Paul M Arnold, Anthony K Frempong-Boadu, et al. (2018). Intrawound Vancomycin Decreases the Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Spine Surgery: A Multicenter Analysis. Spine, 43(1). pp. 65–71. 10.1097/brs.0000000000001371 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/31334.

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Scholars@Duke

Orndorff

Douglas George Orndorff

Instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

I have over 15 years of experience in private practice spine care, primarily in a small rural town serving a large geographical area. Being one of the few spine surgeons for such a large area allowed me to become adept at recognizing and treating virtually all adult spinal conditions. My goal is to maximize non-surgical options first, with the goal of getting my patients back to the activities they love as fully as possible. I have partnered with top spine companies in the field to develop multiple cutting edge products that are now being used in spine surgeries worldwide. I am particularly interested in motion preservation surgery, improving fusion outcomes, and spine navigation. My treatment philosophy is to engage patients in their own spine health care, working together to tailor the best possible course of action for their individual needs and lifestyle.


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