Abstract

MACHIN RODRIGUEZ, Jorge Carlos et al. Introduction of the omentum flap into the treatment of acute mediastinitis at the Heart Center of Santiago de Cuba. MEDISAN [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.10, pp.1415-1422. ISSN 1029-3019.

Median sternotomy is the most frequently used approach in cardiovascular surgery; mediastinitis hence becomes a complication not as frequent as dangerous for the patient's life. Thus, a descriptive study on the results of the omentum flap introduction was conducted in 15 patients with mediastinal sepsis treated by means of this technique at the Heart Center of Santiago de Cuba from January 2000 to December 2010. Male sex prevailed in our cases, the diagnosis was primarily clinical and among isolates staphylococci were the most frequent pathogens, followed by Gram-negative organisms. The most common complications were wound sepsis and paralytic ileus. A reduction of stay at the Intensive Care Unit, of complications in general, and mortality were achieved (20 %) in contrast to the techniques commonly used in these cases. The causes of death were not related to the failure of the procedure or recurrence of the infection.

Keywords : acute mediastinitis; omentum flap; wound sepsis; paralytic ileus; staphylococcus; cardiovascular surgery; hospital stay.

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