Our Summary

This research paper is about infections that occur after heart surgery (specifically, surgeries that involve opening the chest, or “sternotomy”) in countries that are less developed or are developing (low and middle human development index countries). The researchers looked at multiple studies to understand how often these infections occur. They found that about 4.3 out of every 100 surgeries resulted in an infection, which is similar to the rate in more developed countries. This information is important because as heart disease becomes more common in these less developed countries, it’s crucial to provide safe heart surgeries. Understanding the current rate of infections after surgery can help set expectations and targets for improving patient care.

FAQs

  1. What is the rate of infection after heart surgeries involving sternotomy in less developed countries?
  2. How does the infection rate after heart surgery in less developed countries compare to more developed countries?
  3. Why is it important to understand the rate of infections after heart surgery in less developed countries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sternotomy is to follow proper wound care instructions to reduce the risk of infection. This may include keeping the incision clean and dry, changing dressings as directed, and watching for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. It’s also important to follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled to monitor your recovery and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sternotomy are those who require heart surgery that involves opening the chest, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve surgery, or aortic surgery. These patients may have conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or aortic aneurysms that require surgical intervention to improve their heart function and overall health. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used instead of sternotomy, but sternotomy is still commonly recommended for more complex or advanced cases.

Timeline

  • Before sternotomy:
  1. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and testing to determine the need for surgery and assess the risks involved.
  2. Patient receives anesthesia before the surgery begins.
  3. Surgeon makes an incision in the chest and performs the necessary procedure on the heart.
  4. After completing the surgery, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples.
  • After sternotomy:
  1. Patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring and recovery.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the surgical site.
  3. Patient is closely monitored for any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or drainage at the incision site.
  4. Patient may receive antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
  5. Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
  6. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for postoperative care and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sternotomy?
  2. How can I reduce my risk of developing an infection after sternotomy?
  3. What measures will be taken to prevent infections during and after surgery?
  4. How will my incision be cared for post-surgery to reduce the risk of infection?
  5. What signs and symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate an infection after surgery?
  6. How will infections be diagnosed and treated if they occur after surgery?
  7. Are there any specific factors in my case that may increase my risk of developing an infection after sternotomy?
  8. How will my overall health and medical history impact my risk of infection after surgery?
  9. What is the typical recovery process for patients who develop an infection after sternotomy?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up appointments I should keep in mind to monitor for infections after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Forrester JD, Cai LZ, Zeigler S, Weiser TG. Journal: Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2017 Oct;18(7):774-779. doi: 10.1089/sur.2017.149. PMID: 28949848