• L J Gottlieb, R W Pielet, R B Karp, L M Krieger, D J Smith, and G M Deeb.
• Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Ill.
• Arch Surg Chicago. 1994 May 1; 129 (5): 489-93.

ObjectiveThe current standard treatment of mediastinitis following median sternotomy is radical sternal débridement and obliteration of anterior mediastinal dead space with muscle or omental flaps. This report describes and reviews our experiences with a new technique of sternal salvage based on osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment and rigid fixation in patients with postoperative mediastinitis.DesignA retrospective review of 29 patients treated with sternal rigid internal fixation.SettingTwo tertiary care academic medical centers in Chicago, Ill, and Ann Arbor, Mich.PatientsPatients with postoperative mediastinitis following median sternotomy who underwent rigid internal fixation of retained sternum.InterventionFollowing débridement, quantitative bacteriologic assessment and sternal vascularity were assessed. Sternal segments with good vascularity and in bacteriologic balance were anatomically reduced and rigidly fixed to each other with titanium miniplates in 24 patients with postoperative mediastinitis. Five of the 29 patients, at high risk for mediastinitis, underwent rigid internal fixation immediately after their cardiac procedure.Main Outcome MeasuresResolution of infection, wounds remaining closed, and stable sternums.ResultsBony union was obtained in 27 (93%) of 29 patients. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 84 days, with a mean stay of 17 days and a median stay of 7 days. Length of stay was directly related to pulmonary function, which correlated with preoperative intubation status.ConclusionsRadical sternal débridement may not be necessary in all patients with postoperative mediastinitis following median sternotomy. Sternal salvage can safely and reliably be performed with a combination of clinical assessment of vascularity and osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment. Anatomic reduction of the viable sternal segments is possible even in severely osteoporotic bone.

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