Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 59(1): 21-24
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250373
Original Cardiovascular/Society Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Transposition of Greater Omentum in Deep Sternal Wound Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci, with Differing Clinical Course for MRSA and MRSE[*]

B. C. Danner1 , D. Zenker1 , V. N. Didilis1 , M. Grossmann1 , T. Stojanovic1 , R. Seipelt1 , T. Tirilomis1 , F. A. Schöndube1
  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received June 24, 2010

Publication Date:
17 January 2011 (online)

Abstract

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) are an increasing problem in deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after cardiac surgery. Methods: Between 2005 and 2009, recalcitrant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus was found in 21 patients with complicated DSWI, and a transposition of the greater omentum (TGO) was finally performed. A positive microbial culture at the time of procedure was present in all patients. The hospital course was reviewed discretely for MRSA and MRSE. Results: Median patient age was 72.3 years (range 60.8–79.7); 76 % of patients were male. Time from the first sternal revision until consecutive open wound therapy due to re-infection and total hospital stay was longer for MRSA compared to MRSE (38 vs. 14 days, p = 0.003, and 141 vs. 91 days, p = 0.007, respectively). The period from cardiac surgery to TGO was likewise prolonged for MRSA (78 vs. 55 days, p = 0.045), whereas in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality rate did not differ. Conclusion: TGO remains a good treatment option for DSWI type IV. Microbial findings determine the clinical course; nevertheless in-hospital mortality remains low for both MRSA and MRSE infection.

1 Presented at the 39th annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Stuttgart, February 14–17, 2010 (Poster # 54).

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1 Presented at the 39th annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Stuttgart, February 14–17, 2010 (Poster # 54).

Dr. Bernhard C. Danner, MD

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
University Medical Center

Robert-Koch-Str. 40

37075 Göttingen

Germany

Phone: +49 5 51 39 60 61

Fax: +49 5 51 39 60 02

Email: bdanner@med.uni-goettingen.de

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