Recent advances on prevention and management of deep sternal wound infection

Abstract

Deep sternal wound infection （DSWI） is a rare but seriously damaging complication after median sternotomy. The quality of life and psychological health of patients may be affected due to long management period and unsatisfactory prognosis of DSWI. The improvement of this situation requires multidisciplinary cooperation. Cardiac surgeons should identify risk factors in a timely manner before surgery， take effective preventive measures， and treat incisional infections when detected after surgery to avoid the progression of infection to the sternum and mediastinum. With a definite diagnosis of DSWI， plastic surgeons are required to choose appropriate management protocols to control the infection and achieve sternal reconstruction in a timely manner. At present， prevention of DSWI has not received sufficient attention. DSWI treatment is mostly dependent on doctors’ own experience and understanding， and consensus is lacking. This article provide a review of the progress in the prevention and treatment of DSWI.

Keywords

• deep sternal wound infection|median sternotomy|cardiac surgery|prevention|treatment