Risk factors influencing the outcome after surgical treatment of complicated deep sternal wound complications

Sternal closure techniques and postoperative sternal wound complications in elderly patients

“…These studies concluded that risk factors for mortality of DSWI are (1) variables pertaining to the host (advanced age and persistent bacteraemia), (2) variables related to hospitalisation (need for an IABP, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and type of organism cultured), and (3) variables related to the operative procedure (prolonged duration of operation and need for reoperation) [1]. In a study with 193 patients with PSWC, Peivani et al [14] identified advanced age, obesity, diabetes and renal insufficiency as relevant risk factors for mortality or poor outcome . Fleck et al [15] summarised that the key to successful management of sternal wound infection is early recognition and aggressive treatment with reopening of the entire wound and sternum, which seems mandatory to achieve a low recurrence rate.…”

Smoking and the outcome of infection

“…Smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for complications and mortality after surgery [60][61][62][63]. The results of randomized clinical studies indicate that abstinence from smoking prior to surgery may reduce postoperative infections and other wound-related complications [64,65].…”

Deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery in the Chinese population: a single-centre 15-year retrospective study

“…Median sternotomy has been the most frequently used incision for cardiac surgery since its introduction in 1956 (1). One of the life-threatening complications that occurs in patients following cardiovascular surgery through median sternotomy is deep sternal wound infection (DSWI).…”