Four-flap compound repair of thoracic hernia after sternum osteomyelitis and omentum flap

Efficacy of a novel strategy for poststernotomy deep sternal infection after thoracic aorta replacement using a prosthetic graft

BACKGROUND

Poststernotomy deep sternal wound infections are persistent and occasionally fatal, especially in cases involving prosthetic grafts, because of their complicated structure and virtual impossibility of removal. We aimed to verify the influence of cooperation with plastic surgeons and our novel strategy for treating deep sternal wound infection after aortic replacement on cardiovascular surgery outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine hundred eighty-three consecutive patients were divided into two groups: an early group (2012-2013) and a late group (2014-2015). The late group had received cooperatively improved perioperative wound management: our novel strategy of deep sternal infection based on radical debridement and immediate reconstruction decided by reference to severities of the patient's general condition and widespread infection by early intervention of plastic surgeons. The groups were analysed retrospectively. Binary variables were analysed statistically with the Fisher exact test and continuous variables with the Mann-Whitney U test. Inter-group differences were assessed with the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Twenty of 390 cases in the early group and 13 of 593 cases in the late group were associated with deep sternal infection. Morbidity rates of deep sternal wound infection and associated mortality rates 1 year after reconstruction surgery were significantly less (p <0.05 for both) in the late group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention by plastic surgeons improved perioperative wound management outcomes. Our treatment strategy for deep sternal wound infection also reduced associated mortality rates. Facilities should consider the early inclusion of plastic surgeons in the treatment of patients undergoing aortic replacement to facilitate better outcomes.

[Laparoscopic-assisted harvesting of omental flap in chest wall reconstruction for deep sternal wound infection]

AIM

To present an experience of laparoscopic-assisted harvesting of omental flap in chest wall reconstruction for deep sternal wound infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was made a prospective analysis of 14 patients aged 39-85 years after laparoscopic-assisted harvesting of omental flap in chest wall reconstruction for the period December 2014 - November 2016. Men/women ratio was 10/4. All patients had deep sternal wound infection grade IV (Oakley-Wright classification).

RESULTS

Postoperative complications were observed in 2 (14.3%) of 14 (95% CI: 4.0-39.9%) cases that did not require re-operation. There were no 30-day postoperative mortality and significant complications as acute intestinal obstruction, postoperative ventral herniation and transplant rejection. Mean postoperative hospital-stay was 10.5 (9; 13) days.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic-assisted harvesting of omental flap is safe method for chest wall reconstruction in patients with severe sternal wound infection associated with soft tissue deficiency and high risk of local complications (bleeding, etc.). Laparoscopy significantly reduces incidence of postoperative complications after omental flap transposition and is feasible in majority of patients.

Combined free flaps with arteriovenous loops for reconstruction of extensive thoracic defects after sternal osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND

Various local flaps have been described for patients suffering from sternal osteomyelitis and are regarded as a standard procedure for defect reconstruction. In contrast, the use of microsurgical free flaps has been reported anecdotally only. We present our experiences with the combination of an arteriovenous loop and a free flap transfer in defects larger than half of the sternum.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and October 2014, eight patients with a mean age of 68 years who suffered from extensive deep sternal osteomyelitis were operated in a consecutive series. After radical surgical debridement, the defect size comprised all three thirds of the sternum. Defect reconstruction was achieved by means of free flap transplantation using the vastus lateralis myocutaneous flap, rectus abdominis, and bipedicled latissimus dorsi/parascapular flap. As local recipient vessels were depleted in all patients, the pedicle of the flap was anastomosed to a high-flow and short-length subclavian arteriovenous loop as recipient vessel in all cases.

RESULTS

The immediate postoperative course in all patients was uneventful despite one axonal injury to the femoral nerve at the donor site. There was no partial or total flap loss. During a mean follow-up of 9 months, one patient suffered from a local infection at the donor site. In all patients, a successful defect reconstruction could be achieved.

CONCLUSION

Depletion of local recipient vessels as an obstacle for free flap reconstruction can be overcome by creating an arteriovenous loop. Even extensive defects are adequate for defect reconstruction using a single or, in extreme cases, bipedicled free flap.