Saphenous vein graft harvesting site dermatoses among CABG patients

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a cardiac surgical procedure in which the greater saphenous vein graft is most often used to bypass the narrowed coronary artery segments. The side effects of leg vein harvesting include a variety of cutaneous changes. We report the cutaneous effects at the saphenous vein harvesting sites in 32 patients who underwent CABG. To study the dermatoses occurring at the saphenous vein harvest site post CABG surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective observational study on prevalence of saphenous vein harvesting site dermatoses in patients with CABG attending a tertiary care centre in Kanyakumari, for a period of 6 months from March 2021 to September 2021. The cutaneous changes on and around the saphenous vein (SV) graft donor site were noted in all patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 200 patients underwent CABG during the period of study, out of which 32 patients developed dermatitis at the vein harvesting site. At the donor site, Pruritus was the most common symptom seen in 14 (44%) patients, followed by eczema in 11 (34%) patients, xerosis in 9 (28%), hyperpigmentation in 6 (20%), depigmentation in 2 (3%), anesthesia in 3 (10%), neuralgic pain in 3 (8%), burning sensation in 2 (6%), hypertrophic scar in 3 (10%), and infections in 3 (9%) patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> To minimize the donor site complications following CABG, we recommend proper cutaneous and vascular evaluations, identifying the best graft site, employing meticulous surgical technique, recognizing complications early, and starting treatment without delay.</p>