Prevention of Sternal Wound Infections by use of a Surgical Incision Management System: First Reported Australian Case Series

Background Sternal wound infections are considered a costly and potentially devastating consequence of the median sternotomy in cardiothoracic surgery. Surgical incision management employs the technique of applying a closed, negative pressure vacuum dressing to a closed wound. Several studies have demonstrated a reduction in sternal wound infections using this system. Methods A retrospective audit of cases receiving surgical incision management demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in sternal wound infections against a predicted rate. Results Of the 62 patients identified, only one was complicated by a sternal wound infection with the greatest reduction seen in the high-risk infection group. Conclusions Although smaller in size, the results compared well to trials conducted in larger European and US centres. Although not advocating surgical incision management for routine use, it should be considered on patients considered high-risk for sternal wound infection, such as diabetics, the elderly and the obese.