Use of Topical Vancomycin Powder to Reduce Surgical Site Infections after Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: UCSF Experience and Meta-Analysis

Conclusion: Surgical infections after DBS surgery are uncommon events, with studies demonstrating mixed results on whether topical vancomycin reduces this risk. Our single-institution retrospective analysis and systematic review of prior studies both demonstrated no significant SSI rate reduction with topical VP. This is likely due to low baseline SSI rates, resulting in a small effect size for prevention. Given the cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and low risk, topical, intrawound VP remains a treatment option to further reduce risk of SSI, particularly in settings with higher baseline infection rates.Stereotact Funct Neurosurg
Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research