Objective To explore the effects of the application of targeted surveillance in the Deparment of Neurosurgery. Methods Someone was specially assignedd to work out both process and outcome goals by means of perspective investigation, clinical groups were formed and information feedback, evaluation of effects and correction of deviation were regularly conducted. Results The process goals were obtained: from July 1996 to June 1997, the rate of hospital infection in the Department of Neurosurgery droppoed from 26.07% to 21.32% (x2 = 4.3465,P ＜0.05). The outcome goals were also obtained: from July 1997 to June 1998, the rate of infection dropped from 21. 32% to 13.40% (x2 = 16.1193,P＜0.01). Conclusion Targeted surveillance is a really effective form of surveillance and information feedback and evaluation of effects are indispensable. Application of targeted surveillance in the Department of Neurosurgery has won initial success.