Using Vancomycin Powder to Prevent Infections After Spinal Surgery

Intra-wound Vancomycin Powder for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Surgery - a Randomized Controlled Superiority Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Rabin Medical Center · NCT05959603

This study is testing if adding Vancomycin powder to standard antibiotics can help prevent infections after spinal surgery for patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment363 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorRabin Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Petah Tikva)
Trial IDNCT05959603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of standard antibiotic treatment with the addition of intra-wound Vancomycin powder in preventing surgical site infections following spinal surgery. Patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion at the Rabin Medical Center will be enrolled and receive either the standard treatment or the additional Vancomycin. The study aims to identify the optimal dosage of Vancomycin while all participants will also receive routine intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis. The goal is to determine if the use of Vancomycin can significantly reduce wound-related complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery at the Rabin Medical Center who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with ongoing infections, severe renal insufficiency, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the rates of surgical site infections, improving recovery outcomes for patients undergoing spinal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of topical antibiotics in surgical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion operation at the neurosurgery department at the Rabin Medical Center
* Ability to understand and sign written informed consent by the patient or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preoperative ongoing infectious disease present as judged by the primary surgeon (based on lab results and clinical assessment)
* Receiving ongoing treatment of antibiotics for other infections
* Sensitivity or allergy to vancomycin or cefazolin
* Previous spine surgery at the index level within the last 90 days
* Postoperative radiotherapy of the surgical site required (e.g. for tumor)
* Renal insufficiency with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 15-30 ml/min or worse
* Undergoing spinal decompression only
* Trauma patients
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Petah Tikva

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions InfectionVancomycinInfectionsSurgical Site
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.