Gentamicin-collagen implants to reduce surgical site infection: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges (gentamicin-collagen implants) decrease the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). BACKGROUND SSIs cause substantial morbidity and increase the costs of healthcare. Antibiotic prophylaxis is a cornerstone of SSI reduction. Prophylactic local delivery of antibiotics with novel biodegradable drug carrier systems, such as the gentamicin-collagen implant, is a potential avenue for SSI reduction. Gentamicin-collagen implants have been previously assessed in multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with conflicting results. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of all relevant RCTs was conducted to determine whether gentamicin-collagen implants reduce SSI. METHODS Major medical databases and trial registers were searched for published and unpublished RCTs. The endpoint of interest was the incidence of SSI. A random effects model was used and pooled estimates were reported as odds ratios (ORs), with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A subset analysis by incision type was planned a priori. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs encompassing a total of 6979 patients were included in the final analysis. The included studies were of moderate to high quality. Gentamicin-collagen implants significantly reduced SSI [OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33-0.77; P = 0.001; number needed to treat (NNT) = 21; I = 75%]. These results were seen in subset analysis of clean (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33-0.87; P = 0.01; NNT = 30) and clean-contaminated surgery (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20-0.93; P = 0.03; NNT = 9) specifically. CONCLUSIONS Gentamicin-collagen implants decrease the rate of SSI.