Risk factors for mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence after cardiac surgery

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for the development of post-sternotomy mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence without infection. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The records of all patients who presented with sternal abnormalities between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2003 were reviewed retrospectively, and potential risk factors were examined. Patients were divided into three groups: group A had mediastinitis; group B had sternal dehiscence; and group C served as a control group. Multivariate analysis was carried out and the three groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The incidence of mediastinitis was 0.34% and that of sternal dehiscence without mediastinitis was 0.55%. The main risk factors for mediastinitis were postoperative pneumonia (P=.006), urinary tract infection (P=.02), and use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (P=.027). Risk factors for sternal dehiscence without infection were age >60 years (P=.01), postoperative pneumonia (P=.003), antiplatelet agent use (P=.006), and beta-blocker use (P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidences and risk factors for mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence were different in this series. Postoperative pneumonia was the only risk factor common to the two conditions.     

Management of abdominal wound dehiscence with porcine dermal collagen implant: report of a case

Abdominal wound dehiscence is a major postoperative complication with a high mortality rate. Although the mainstay of management is immediate operative reclosure, critically ill patients are better served by conservative temporary measures and delayed operative closure. The evidence in the literature regarding the use of biosynthetic implants in abdominal wound dehiscence is limited. To expand knowledge of management options, a case of abdominal wound dehiscence post hysterectomy in a critically ill 69-year-old woman managed with placement of a porcine dermal collagen implant is described. The porcine dermal collagen implant was placed in an infected field for the repair of the fascial defect under local anesthesia. No additional surgery was required and, 9 months post surgery, the patient remained healthy without evidence of residual hernia. Biosynthetic implants may be an effective alternative for the acute management of fascial dehiscence in critically ill patients.     

Sternal dehiscence in patients with and without mediastinitis

The authors compared patients with sternal dehiscence (SD) with and without mediastinitis with respect to: 1) time interval from surgery to diagnosis; and 2) frequency of sternal wire abnormalities on chest radiographs (CXR). Using a hospital information system to identify all patients with a diagnosis of SD from January 1993 through April 1999, the authors obtained clinical data by performing a retrospective chart review. For each patient, a CXR from the date of diagnosis of SD was retrospectively compared with the first postoperative CXR to assess for sternal wire displacement, rotation, and disruption. The timing of sternal wire alterations was correlated with clinical findings of SD or mediastinitis. The authors found that sternal wire abnormalities are evident radiographically in the majority of SD patients with and without mediastinitis; there is no significant difference in the frequency of sternal wire abnormalities between these two subgroups. Patients with SD and mediastinitis generally present later in the postoperative period than patients with isolated dehiscence.     

Longitudinal reinforcement for treatment of sternal dehiscence

Re-fixation of the sternum after sternal dehiscence is still a problem following cardiac surgery. An original technique that allows reinforcement against various causes of dehiscence is described. The technique consists of 3 additional overlapping longitudinal wires set on both sides of the sternum. Over 2 years, this technique was applied in 34 patients, with complete sternal re-fixation in all, and no signs of recurrence on follow-up.     

心脏直视术后胸骨裂开的处理

目的探讨心脏直视术后胸骨裂开的原因、诊断和治疗。方法回顾分析2007年5月至2012年6月我院心脏直视术后并发胸骨裂开的26例病例,探讨其病因、早期诊断及治疗。结果26例患者均在全麻下二次开胸行胸骨固定术,同时积极治疗伴发病,加强支持治疗,患者全部治愈,伤口愈合平均时间（15．09±4．41）d。结论伤口局部的症状、体征,术后异常引流液和x线胸片检查对心脏直视手术后胸骨裂开的诊断和治疗有着重要意义;及早发现与正确的术中和术后处理是治疗胸骨裂开的关键。     

Nitinol thermoreactive clips for secondary sternal closure in cases of noninfective sternal dehiscence

Postoperative sternal dehiscence is a potentially catastrophic sequela to median sternotomy that can cause not only chest-wall discomfort and pulmonary dysfunction but infection, both superficial and mediastinal. Nitinol thermoreactive clips use a novel material in the treatment of sternal dehiscence. We sought to determine whether the use of these clips is an effective remedy for noninfective sternal dehiscence.From January 2008 through December 2011, we retrospectively studied the data on 10 patients whose sternums had been closed with nitinol thermoreactive clips after the development of noninfective sternal dehiscence. Diagnosis was made on the bases of clinical criteria, chest radiography, and microbiological investigation. There was no control group.No procedure-related sequelae occurred. There was no recurrent sternal instability and dehiscence, sternal-related hemorrhage, superficial wound infection, or mediastinal infection.We believe that the use of nitinol thermoreactive clips is a safe, easy, and efficient method of secondary sternal closure for noninfective sternal dehiscence.     

Cervical cellulitis and mediastinitis following esophageal perforation：A case report

Chicken bone is one of the most frequent foreign bodies （FB） associated with upper esophageal perforation. Upper digestive tract penetrating FB may lead to life threatening complications and requires prompt management. We present the case of a 52-year-old man who sustained an upper esophageal perforation associated with cervical cellulitis and mediastinitis. Following CT-scan evidence of FB penetrating the esophagus, the impacted FB was successfully extracted under rigid esophagoscopy. Direct suture was required to close the esophageal perforation. Cervical and mediastinal drainage were made immediately. Nasogastric tube decompression, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and parenteral hyperalimentation were administered for 10 d postoperatively. An esophagogram at d 10 revealed no leak at the repair site, and oral alimentation was successfully reinstituted. Conclusion： Rigid endoscope management of FB esophageal penetration is a simple, safe and effective procedure. Primary esophageal repair with drainage of all affected compartments are necessary to avoid life-threatening complications.     

Early detection of sternal dehiscence by conventional chest X-ray

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of sternal dehiscence after sternotomy for cardiac surgery is still made clinically. The aim of this study was to identify radiographic signs of sternal dehiscence by routine chest X-ray (CXR) in patients with and without clinically diagnosed sternal dehiscence. METHODS: 75 patients (group I: 65 +/- 9.3 years, f/m = 12/63) with clinically diagnosed sternal dehiscence, necessitating surgical revision and 75 patients with uneventful sternal healing (matched to group I by age, sex, preoperative risk factors and surgical procedures; group II: 66 +/- 9.0 years, f/m = 12/63) were included in this study. Serial CXRs immediately after surgery until re-intervention or discharge were analyzed by a radiologist, blind to the date of redo surgery. RESULTS: In 39 patients of group I (52%) vs. 8 (10.7%) in group II, abnormalities in the sternal wire and/or a midsternal stripe could be found (p < 0.0001): rotated wires (p = 0.003), shifted wires (p = 0.043), and ruptured wires (p = 0.312). Seven patients presented with combined wire abnormalities in group I vs. 0 in group II. Midsternal stripe sign could be detected in 26 patients of group I vs. 3 in group II (p < 0.0001). Sternal dehiscence was suspected based on the above mentioned abnormalities as early as three days postoperatively (Q1 = 2; Q3 = 8 days) in 39 patients, whereas clinical diagnosis of sternal dehiscence was delayed up to ten days postoperatively (Q1 = 7; Q3 = 13 days). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic signs of sternal dehiscence could be detected before the clinical diagnosis was apparent and predicted sternal dehiscence in more than half of the patients.     

Repair of sternal dehiscence with titanium mesh plates: the sandwich technique

Sternal dehiscence after cardiac surgery occurs infrequently and can lead to mediastinitis and prolonged hospital stay and may even result in death. The most common treatment for mechanical sternal instability is rewiring with wound debridement. We present a case in which a modified titanium mesh plate fixation technique was used. A safe and easy to perform technique, this method can be an alternative option to wire closure in a sternum with fractures, instability or poor bone quality.     

Staphylococcal purulent pericarditis in a malnourished Gambian child: a case report

We report a case of purulent pericarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a malnourished 17-month-old child. The clinical features, diagnosis especially the usefulness of non-invasive ultrasound as well as immunological and molecular biology studies, management and outcome of this life threatening condition are discussed.     

An esophageal cancer case unresectable due to tuberculous fibrosing mediastinitis: report of a case

We present a case of esophageal carcinoma in which esophagectomy was not possible because of tuberculous fibrosing mediastinitis. A 77-year-old man was diagnosed with carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus and admitted to our hospital. Chest radiography on admission revealed no abnormality except pleural thickening of the pulmonary apices, suggesting a history of subclinical infection of tuberculous pleurisy. The patient underwent surgery with a curative intent. Thoracotomy revealed that the mediastinum had been replaced with dense fibrous tissues and was widely encased with laminar calcification. Esophagectomy was not performed because it was considered impossible to do so safely. Although diagnosis of fibrous mediastinitis was not made preoperatively, review of the preoperative computed tomographic scans revealed proliferation of mediastinal soft tissues that were associated with patchy and laminar calcifications. Tuberculous fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon but clinically important disease for physicians who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.     

回肠造口旁腹壁伤口裂开一例并文献复习

肠造口在部分肠道良、恶性疾病的治疗中起重要作用。良好的造口功能有利于患者恢复正常的生活。然而,当发生造口相关并发症时,患者的身心健康及社会功能将不可避免地受到影响。本文报道了一例腹腔镜下直肠癌根治性切除、肝转移瘤切除及预防性末端回肠袢式造口术后早期并发回肠造口旁腹壁伤口裂开,进而出现局段小肠经造口脱出,行二次手术治疗的病例,并结合相关文献复习,探讨此造口相关并发症的危险因素及防治原则,以期提高外科医师对此类并发症的认识。     

Traumatic cardiac injury following sternal fracture: a case report and literature review

Myocardial injury used to be thought as one of the major complications associated with sternal fracture even though recent studies on injuries associated with fracture of sternum are contrary to this belief. Many authors now believe the presence of sternal fracture is no longer indicative of occult injuries to the underlying structure such as the heart. However, clinicians should still maintain a high index of suspicion for the presence cardiac tamponade in cases presented as blunt chest trauma as early diagnosis and surgical intervention is vital to the patient's survival. Presented is a case of a 38-year-old female patient transferred to our hospital after being injured in a motor vehicle accident. On arrival her blood pressure (BP) was 90/50 mmHg but it then dropped to 60/30 mmHg two hours later. Although her chest roentgenography and electrocardiography (ECG) did not reveal any significant findings, the two-dimensional echocardiography was performed and revealed a moderate amount of pericardial effusion. The chest computerized tomography (CT) scan later revealed sternal fracture and cardiac tamponade. A diagnosis of cardiac rupture resulting from sternal fracture following blunt chest trauma was made. Under midline sternotomy, her right atrial rupture was repaired. The patient was reported to be doing well during a three months, post-operative follow-up.     

Primary sternal tuberculosis osteomyelitis: A case report and discussion

As immigration to the United States from countries endemic for tuberculosis (TB) increases, the incidence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB disease may increase. Primary tuberculous sternal osteomyelitis is one form of extrapulmonary TB that is exceedingly rare throughout the world, and falls under the differential diagnosis for chest wall masses. Management involves standard antituberculous therapy with antibiotics similar to treating other forms of extrapulmonary TB, as well as consideration of surgical intervention depending on the extent of osteomyelitis. A typical case of primary sternal TB osteomyelitis is reported, and the epidemiology, differential diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management are reviewed.     

Epileptic asystole - a case report

We present a case of a 45 year-old woman with epilepsy diagnosed 24 years earlier. Epilepsy was confirmed by EEG and many seizures episodes were treated with different combination of anticonvulsive drugs. A 24-h Holter ECG monitoring revealed an episode of asystole lasting 82 s. The pacemaker was implanted and antiepileptic therapy with valproic acid chrono (1800 mg/d.) was continued. We review in this article present data on arrhythmic epilepsy.     

Hibernating kidney - a case report

A 75-year-old woman presented with a two-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion. On physical examination, her blood pressure was 148/90 mmHg, jugular venous pressure was 10 cmH(2)O with a prominent V wave, right ventricular heave was present and she had a systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border that varied with inspiration. The patient had a pulsatile liver, mild ascites and systolic bruits over both kidneys, with the diastolic component on the left side.     

Endoscopic vacuum assisted closure of esophagogastric anastomosis dehiscence:A case report

BACKGROUND Esophagogastric leakage is one of the most severe postoperative complications.Partial disruption of the anastomosis,can be successfully treated with an endoscopic vacuum assisted closure(E-VAC).The advantage of that method of treatment is the ability to adjust a vacuum dressing individually to the size of the dehiscence and thus to reduce the risk of a secondary fistula or abscess.The authors present two patients with postoperative gastroesophageal leakage treated successfully with E-VAC.CASE SUMMARY Two male patients developed a potentially life threatening esophagogastric leakage.Patient A underwent resection of the distal half of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach due to Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.Proximal resection of the stomach was performed in the patient B after massive bleeding from Mallory-Weiss tears.Both patients were treated successfully with an individually adapted E-VAC with concomitant correction of fluid and electrolyte disturbances,and treatment of sepsis with appropriate antibiotics.CONCLUSION Endoscopic vacuum closure is an effective alternative to endoscopic stenting or relaparotomy.Through individual approach it allows a more accurate assessment of healing.