Metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma in a pedicled omental flap used for sternal reconstruction: a case report

Dehiscence of a median sternotomy wound is a fortunately rare but potentially lethal complication of cardiac surgery. If conservative management, including irrigation and secondary closure, fails then osteomyelitis with or without necrosis of the sternum, costochondritis and anterior mediastinitis may result. In the face of such sequelae, radical debridement of the sternum and flap coverage is required. A variety of flaps may be used to cover the defect following debridement of the sternum, in particular pectoralis major or rectus abdominis muscle flaps and the omentum. We report the case of a 65-year-old man, who required an omental flap for sternal dehiscence after coronary artery bypass grafting and who subsequently presented with a metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma within the flap.