Operative Closure Technique Utilizing Bovine Collagen Fragments in a Prospective Analysis of 102 Consecutive Neurosurgery Patients

Surgical site infections in neurosurgery patients are increasing due to the high rates of trauma cases, increase in patient comorbidities, and the prevalence of multi-resistant drug organisms. Recent reports have demonstrated that topical antibiotic powder used during wound closure significantly decreases rates of wound infections in spine cases. The authors present a prospective study of 102 consecutive cranial or spinal neurosurgery cases. A mixture of 1 gram Vancomycin powder mixed with 1 gram of hydrolyzed or activated collagen powder (CellerateRX Surgical) was then placed within the incision. This was followed by skin closure with either staples or subcuticular sutures. Patients were seen at approximately 2 weeks postoperatively for incision check and subsequent removal of sutures or staples. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the combination of activated collagen (CellerateRX Surgical) and Vancomycin powder resulted in no infections or wound dehiscence. The hygroscopic nature of the activated collagen bound the aqueous vancomycin to the activated collagen retaining and prolonging the antimicrobial environment in the surgical site.