Brain surgery infection fighter: vancomycin powder put to the test

NCT ID NCT02284126

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Columbia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether applying vancomycin powder directly to the surgical wound during brain surgery can reduce infections. Over 1,100 adults having neurosurgery were randomly assigned to receive either the topical vancomycin or standard care. The main goal was to see if the treatment lowered the rate of surgical site infections within 90 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Vancomycin (topical powder or paste)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple way to lower infection risk after brain surgery, reducing complications and hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a single-blinded trial; results may not apply to all surgeries. Vancomycin resistance or side effects are possible.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bacterial infectious disease central nervous system infectious disorder Infections infectious disease nervous system disorder Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFECTION NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Columbia University Medical Center

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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