Sternal reconstruction and omentoplasty after mediastinitis

Abstract

Deep sternal infections are serious complications after open heart surgery. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with uncontrolled diabetes who underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery in another cardiac surgery department. After the surgical intervention sternal dehiscence and wound infection occurred, which was followed by two unsuccessful attempts for sternal refixation. Two months after the initial procedure the patient was admitted to our institution with severe dyspnea and paradoxical movement of the thorax. Computed tomography revealed a huge defect of the sternum and metal osteosynthesis with a titanium plate and omentoplasty was performed. The patient was followed-up for one year with excellent postoperative result.

Keywords

• computed tomography
• metal osteosynthesis
• sternal