Does Intraoperative Use of Vancomycin Powder Increase the Risk of Gram-Negative Infections?

Abstract

Post-surgical site infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality, as well as significant healthcare costs. Despite intravenous prophylactic antibiotic measures, the rates of surgical site infections, especially those from skin pathogens, have been reported to be up to 15% in individuals undergoing spinal surgery. Thus, the use of vancomycin powder has gained significant popularity in the last few years.