Brain surgery infection fighter: vancomycin powder put to the test

NCT ID NCT02284126

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SURGERY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Columbia University Medical Center

    New York, New York, 10032, United States