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.
Background:
We were interested in reviewing our experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure to evaluate its overall morbidity and its impact on patient management.
Methods:
We reviewed our experience with 1,039 patients undergoing median sternotomy with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure over the past 10 years. Major wound complications, which were categorized into two groups, required in-hospital management and operative intervention. Group 1 had a sternal dehiscence alone. Group II had a major sternal infection or mediastinitis.
Results:
The incidence of wound morbidity was 2.4% (n = 25). There were 6 (0.58%) sternal dehiscences (Group I) and 19 (1.8%) sternal wound infections (Group II). Patients taken to the operating room for repair of their sternal dehiscence or sternal infection were noted to have two completely intact sternal halves.
Conclusions:
While wound related morbidity with Mersilene tape closure is equivalent to the historical results of conventional wire closure, dehiscence occurs in a more controlled fashion with less bony destruction. The reduction in tissue damage associated with sternal wound dehiscence and sternal infection after Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure makes treatment of these potentially devastating complications easier and more efficient.
