Therapy options in deep sternal wound infection: Sternal plating versus muscle flap

by Martin Grapow, Martin Haug, Chistopher Tschung, Bernhard Winkler, Prerana Banerjee, Paul Philipp Heinisch, Jens Fassl, Oliver Reuthebuch, Friedrich Eckstein

Background

Management of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) in cardiac surgical patients still remains challenging. A variety of treatment strategies has been described. Aim of this cohort study was to analyse two different treatment strategies for DSWI: titanium sternal plating system (TSFS) and muscle flap coverage (MFC).

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2011, from 3122 patients undergoing cardiac surgery 42 were identified with DSWI and treated with one of the above mentioned strategies. In-hospital data were collected, follow-up performed by telephone and assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) using the SF-12 Health Survey Questionnaire.

Results

20 patients with deep sternal wound infection were stabilized with TSFS and 22 patients treated with MFC. Preoperative demographics and risk factors did not reveal any significant differences. Patients treated with TSFS had a significantly shorter operation time (p Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the use of TSFS is a feasible and safe alternative in DSWI. However, MFC remains an absolutely essential option for complicated DSWI since the amount of perfused tissue can be the key for infection control.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sZz0GN
via IFTTT