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. 1998 Mar;227(3):455–459. doi: 10.1097/00000658-199803000-00019

Results of omental flap transposition for deep sternal wound infection after cardiovascular surgery.

K Yasuura 1, H Okamoto 1, S Morita 1, Y Ogawa 1, M Sawazaki 1, A Seki 1, H Masumoto 1, A Matsuura 1, T Maseki 1, S Torii 1
PMCID: PMC1191285  PMID: 9527070

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our experience with omental flap transposition in the treatment of deep sternal wound infections is reviewed here with an emphasis on efficacy, risk factors for in-hospital mortality rates, and long-term results. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Even with improvements in muscle and omental flap transposition, the timing of closure and the surgical strategy are controversial. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with deep sternal wound infections were treated using the omental flap transposition from 1985 through 1994. The strategies included debridement with delayed omental flap transposition or single-stage management, which consisted of debridement of the sternal wound and omental flap transposition. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from more than 50% of the wounds. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of in-hospital death after omental flap transposition. RESULTS: There were seven (16%) in-hospital deaths. Univariate analysis demonstrated that hemodialysis and ventilatory support at the time of omental flap transposition were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality rates (p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0075, respectively). Thirty-seven patients whose wounds healed well were discharged from the hospital. Two patients with cultures positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus had recurrent sternal infections. Patients without positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cultures had good long-term results after reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of an omental flap is a reliable option in the treatment of deep sternal wound infections, unless the patients require ventilatory support or hemodialysis at the time of transposition.

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Selected References

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