Ten-year experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure
M M Puc1, C H Antinori, D T Villanueva
1Department of Surgery, Cooper Hospital, University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden 08103, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 2, 2000
Summary
Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure shows comparable morbidity to wire closure but results in less bony destruction during dehiscence. This technique simplifies managing sternal wound complications like infection and dehiscence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Wound Management
Background:
- Mersilene tape is utilized for sternal wound closure following median sternotomy.
- Evaluating Mersilene tape's impact on sternal wound morbidity and patient management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure.
- To assess the overall morbidity and patient management outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 1,039 patients undergoing median sternotomy with Mersilene-reinforced closure over 10 years.
- Classification of major wound complications into sternal dehiscence (Group I) and sternal infection/mediastinitis (Group II).
Main Results:
- Overall wound morbidity was 2.4% (25 patients).
- Sternal dehiscence occurred in 0.58% (6 patients), and sternal wound infection in 1.8% (19 patients).
- Repaired sternal dehiscences and infections showed intact sternal halves, indicating less bony destruction.
Conclusions:
- Mersilene tape closure demonstrates equivalent wound morbidity to conventional wire closure.
- Sternal dehiscence with Mersilene tape occurs with less bony destruction, simplifying repair.
- Reduced tissue damage facilitates easier and more efficient management of sternal wound complications.
