Reducing Infection Risk
Staphylococcus aureus (or Staph aureus) is a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and hair as well as in the nose and throat. These bacteria live on our skin and usually do not cause issues unless there is a break in the skin. These bacteria are most commonly responsible for post-surgical infections. When it can be treated with normal antibiotics it is called MSSA (Methicillin Sensitive Staph Aureus).
What is MRSA?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus – or staph -- because it's resistant to most commonly used antibiotics.
What can we do to reduce infection risk?
If you tested positive for MRSA or MSSA there are specific treatments to undergo prior to the procedure. Below you will find the Mupirocin nasal antibiotic administration form and the pre-surgical chlorhexidine cleaning form.
Optimizing changes for the optimal outcome
S. aureus has been shown to be responsible for 50–60% of surgical site infections (SSIs) in cases similar to device implants. Carriers of MSSA and MRSA are epidemiologically linked to a higher risk (up to 9X) for an SSI.
We test for and treat MRSA and MSSA pre-operatively to reduce the chances of infection. These organisms reside in the nasopharynx and are identified by nasal swab.
The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) recommends preoperative
testing for S. aureus (MSSA and MSRA). In Staphylococcus aureus-colonized patients, decolonization with mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine baths is recommended.
Deer TR, Provenzano DA, Hanes M, et al. The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) Recommendations for Infection Prevention and Management [published correction appears in Neuromodulation. 2017 Jul;20(5):516]. Neuromodulation. 2017;20(1):31-50. doi:10.1111/ner.12565
DRG-S demonstrated lower infection rates
We demonstrated lower infection rate with DRG-S than has been seen with SCS in a pooled data analysis. We believe that this may be secondary to improved function post surgery and perhaps interactions with the sympathetic nervous system.
Tested positive for staph aureus?
Treatment for MRSA and MSSA Colonizers
Nasal Topical Ointment
A topical ointment, Mupirocin (Bactroban) is applied to the nostrils twice a day for5 days prior to the procedure. A prescription is required for this medication and will be prescribed by your practitioner.
Chlorhexidine Cleansing
Chlorhexidine wash can be purchased at your local pharmacy over the counter and should be applied the evening before your procedure.
Thank you
Thank you for taking your time to review the requested materials for your implantable therapy for pain. If you have any questions or issues related to its completion, please to reach out to the team at the Spine & Pain Institute of NY for assistant. Completing this paperwork is needed for approval of these therapies, and also gives the team at SPNY the information it needs to make the process as smooth and the procedure as safe as possible.
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