These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Evolution in the treatment of mediastinitis: single-center experience.
    Author: De Feo M, Vicchio M, Santè P, Cerasuolo F, Nappi G.
    Journal: Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann; 2011 Feb; 19(1):39-43. PubMed ID: 21357316.
    Abstract:
    This study aimed to evaluate our 30-year experience in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. Between 1979 and 2009, deep sternal wound infections occurred in 200 of 22,366 (0.89%) patients who underwent sternotomy. The study population was divided into 3 groups. In group A (62 patients; 1979-1994), an initial attempt at conservative antibiotic therapy was the rule, followed by surgery in case of failure. In group B (83 patients; 1995-2002), the treatment was in 3 steps: wound debridement and closed irrigation for 10 days; in case of failure, open dressing with sugar and hyperbaric treatment; delayed healing and negative wound cultures mandated plastic reconstruction. In group C (2002-2009), the treatment was based on early surgical debridement, vacuum application, and reconstruction using pectoralis muscle flap. Hospital mortality in group A was significantly higher than that in groups B and C. Hospital stay, time for normalization of white blood cell count and C reactive protein, and time for defervescence were significantly shorter in group C. In our experience, early surgical debridement and vacuum application followed by plastic reconstruction provided a satisfactory rate of healing and a good survival rate.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]