INTRASITE VANCOMYCIN POWDER AS A PROPHYLACTIC ADJUVANT IN LUMBAR FUSION

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify whether the use of prophylactic intrasite vancomycin as an adjuvant is a protective factor against deep tissue infection of the surgical site. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, case-control study evaluating 210 patients, of whom 70 received intrasite vancomycin (case group) and 140 were controls. It was made a follow up for at least one year, reviewing the physical and electronic records. Data were tabulated in spreadsheets (Excel) including all variables and the statistical analysis was made with Epi InfoTM 7 to calculate the odds ratio. Results: Seven cases of deep infection occurred in the control group and none was found in the case group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.1262 [0.007-2.24], P = 0.1585). Among the predisposing factors, diabetes and surgical time were the most relevant. Conclusions: Intrasite use of vancomycin has a protective effect against deep infection in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery without presenting considerable side effects.