Abstract
Mediastinitis is an uncommon complication after cardiac surgery; however, its associated morbidity and mortality demand early recognition and emergency therapy. This review is intended to emphasize certain features of the incidence, pathogenesis, and bacteriology of this complication in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass through a median sternotomy. The diagnosis and treatment of mediastinitis after cardiac surgical procedures, as well as methods of prevention, are also reviewed.
MeSH terms
-
Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
-
Cardiac Surgical Procedures*
-
Cardiopulmonary Bypass
-
Debridement
-
Drainage
-
Enterobacteriaceae Infections / etiology
-
Enterobacteriaceae Infections / prevention & control
-
Enterobacteriaceae Infections / therapy
-
Equipment Contamination
-
Humans
-
Intraoperative Period
-
Mediastinitis / etiology*
-
Mediastinitis / prevention & control
-
Mediastinitis / therapy
-
Postoperative Period
-
Staphylococcal Infections / etiology
-
Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
-
Staphylococcal Infections / therapy
-
Staphylococcus epidermidis
-
Surgical Wound Infection / etiology*
-
Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control
-
Surgical Wound Infection / therapy