[Infections of the sternum after cardiac surgery]

Methods of treatment of suppurative mediastinitis in cardiosurgical operations applied at the clinic are analysed. These methods are: debridment with closure of the sternum with irrigation of the substernal space, debridment with bandage of open wound and healing per secundam, debridment with bandage of open wound and its closure by myocutaneous layers. It has been concluded that these infections are very complex etiopathogenetically because of which it is very important to know all relevant risk factors aiming to prevent development of this complication in cardiosurgical operations. Its early recognition is necessary.