Application of plastic repair and reconstruction techniques for treatment of sternal wound infections

Abstract

Objective To explore the effectiveness of plastic repair and reconstruction techniques for treatment of sternal wound infections. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 35 cases of postoperative sternal wound infections treated in our department between March, 2017 and March, 2019. The patients, including 27 with superficial and 8 with deep sternal wound infections, underwent plastic surgeries with debridement, vacuum sealing drainage, skin grafting, muscle flap transfer and other orthopedic repair and reconstruction techniques, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated based on the cure rate, hospital stay and follow-up results of the patients. Results Among the 27 patients with superficial sternal wound infections, 25 were cured, and 2 were discharged without cure of the infections; all the 8 patients with deep sternal wound infections were cured. The patients were followed up for 2 months to 2 years, during which none of the patients experienced recurrence of the infections. The overall cure rate of sternal wound infections was 94.3% in the these patients. Conclusion The plastic repair and reconstruction techniques are effective for treatment of sternal wound infections.

Keywords

• thoracotomy
• sternum
• surgical wound infection
• reconstructive surgical procedures