Safety and Efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Deep Spinal Wound Infections After Dural Exposure, Durotomy, or Intradural Surgery

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for deep spinal wound infections after exposure or opening of the dura can carry significant risks (i.e., cerebrospinal fluid infections and fistulas). In the present study, we reviewed a fairly large and recent experience with such patients. Methods We identified 25 patients with exposure and/or incision of the dura who had undergone NPWT from January 2014 to June 2018 for deep spinal wound infections. The demographic data, specifics of primary surgery and NPWT (i.e., dressing changes, duration, time required for wound healing), patients' clinical course, outcomes, and microbiological findings were studied. Application of a Granufoam vacuum dressing with a continuous negative pressure of 60 mm Hg was performed after proper debridement. Results Of the 25 patients, 13 were women and 12 were men (median age, 69 years). They had primarily undergone treatment for spinal tumors (n = 7), infections and degenerative disease (n = 8 each), or fractures (n = 2), with instrumentation in 18 patients (72%). The dura was exposed in all 25 patients and had been incised in 10 (40%) patients (intended incision, 3; accidental incision, 7). Most patients had been treated for a lumbar wound infection (64%). A microorganism was detected in 84% of the cases, with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for most of the infections (48%). NPWT was concluded after a median of 4 dressing changes (range, 2–14) and 19 days (range, 10–70), with no implant removal required in any patient. NPWT application was observed to be safe without cerebrospinal fluid-related complications. The presence of comorbidities (28% had diabetes) had no effect on the treatment results. Conclusions NPWT can be safely applied for deep spinal wound infections after dura exposure or durotomy during previous spine surgery.