Our Summary

This study looked at how often infections happened after heart surgery in babies less than a year old. The surgery was done using a technique called electrocautery, which is commonly used in the clinic where the study was conducted. The researchers looked at records from two different medical centers, focusing on patients who had this type of surgery for congenital heart disease from January 2017 to June 2019.

The results showed that seven patients got a type of infection called SSI. For six of these patients, the infection was superficial (not severe). For one patient, the infection was more serious and affected the mediastinum, which is the area between the lungs.

The study found that the rate of infections after using electrocautery for this kind of surgery in babies was not significantly different from the rates reported for other methods. So, the researchers concluded that electrocautery is a safe and easy method to use for this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the rate of wound site infection in patients under one year of age who underwent sternotomy with electrocautery?
  2. What is the difference in infection rates between sternotomy with electrocautery and other methods?
  3. How safe is the use of electrocautery in sternotomy for patients with congenital heart disease?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sternotomy is to keep the incision site clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and to report any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, maintaining good overall hygiene and avoiding activities that could put strain on the incision site can help promote proper healing.

Suitable For

Sternotomy is typically recommended for patients who require cardiac surgery, specifically those with congenital heart disease. This procedure is often performed on patients less than one year of age.

Timeline

Before sternotomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with congenital heart disease.
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and preparation for surgery.
  3. Patient is informed about the procedure and potential risks.
  4. Patient is taken to the operating room and prepared for surgery.

During sternotomy:

  1. Surgeon makes an incision in the patient’s chest to access the heart.
  2. Sternum is divided using electrocautery.
  3. Cardiac surgery is performed to correct the congenital heart defect.

After sternotomy:

  1. Patient is transferred to the intensive care unit for postoperative monitoring.
  2. Wound site is closely monitored for any signs of infection.
  3. Patient is given antibiotics prophylactically to prevent infection.
  4. Patient is monitored for any complications such as mediastinitis.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and on the road to recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the rate of wound site infection in patients <1 year of age who undergo sternotomy using electrocautery at your clinic?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sternotomy using electrocautery?
  3. How does sternotomy using electrocautery compare to other methods in terms of wound site infection rates?
  4. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infection following sternotomy using electrocautery?
  5. How will the wound be monitored and cared for post-operatively to prevent infection?
  6. What symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a wound site infection following sternotomy?
  7. How should I care for the wound at home once discharged from the hospital?
  8. Are there any specific factors that may increase the risk of infection following sternotomy using electrocautery in infants under 1 year of age?
  9. How will the infection, if it occurs, be treated and managed?
  10. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or methods that could potentially reduce the risk of infection for infants undergoing sternotomy?

Reference

Authors: Çeli K M, Aygün F, Özkan M. Journal: J Card Surg. 2021 Jul;36(7):2336-2341. doi: 10.1111/jocs.15561. Epub 2021 Apr 24. PMID: 33896040