Topical instillation of vancomycin lowers the rate of CSF shunt infections in children.

Abstract

Shunt surgery in pediatric patients still bears a significant risk of infection, in addition to mechanical complications of the shunt system. Antibiotic-impregnated systems and perioperative antibiotics have been extensively studied for their potential to reduce shunt infections. We examined the effectiveness of intrawound application of vancomycin powder during shunt surgery. Patient records of 78 primary shunt implantations at a mean age of 40months were reviewed. In total, 52 patients (mean age 50months) had been treated according to standard surgical and perioperative procedures (Std), whereas 26 patients (mean age 20months) additionally had received topical application of vancomycin powder before wound closure (Vmc). Overall infection rate was 3.8%, in Std patients 5.8%, and in Vmc patients 0%. The rates of CSF fistula and revision surgery were similar in both groups (5.8% vs 8% and 23.1% vs. 30%, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on topical vancomycin instillation, indicating its efficacy for the prevention of shunt infection in pediatric patients. Further studies with a higher number of patients are needed to verify this finding.