Long-term result of bilateral pectoralis major muscle advancement flap in median sternotomy wound infections

B. Carlesimo, F. Lo Torto, A. Rossi, M. Marcasciano, M. Ruggiero

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. federicolotorto@gmail.com

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• Plastic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is an uncommon but serious complication of open heart surgery being characterized by a high mortality rate and a considerable economic weight. Repair of sternal defects, compromised with infection, can be achieved in several ways. The aim of our study is to report our case load in the management of sternal wound infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, we will report our twelve-year case load with bilateral pectoralis major advancement flap as the sole treatment modality for deep sternal wound infection.

RESULTS: This surgical approach has given excellent results in terms of resolution of the infection of the sternum, with few complications and a good cosmetic result.

CONCLUSIONS: We propose bilateral pectoralis major advancement flap as the first choice treatment for deep sternal wound infection.

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