Open AccessMediastinitis after cardiac surgery — epidemiology and current treatment
Author(s) -
Marggraf Günter,
Splittgerber Fred H.,
Knox Michael,
Reidemeister Jürgen Christoph
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-9271
pISSN - 1102-4151
DOI - 10.1080/11024159950188484
Subject(s) - mediastinitis , medicine , cardiac surgery , etiology , complication , intensive care medicine , epidemiology , general surgery , surgery
Mediastinal infection is a feared complication observed after 0.4%–5% of cardiac operations. Even today the mortality remains as high as 20%–40%. We discuss the aetiology, mechanisms, prevention, diagnosis, and medical management. The staging system for mediastinal wound infections developed at a joint conference of German cardiac surgical centres is presented. The use of parenteral polyvalent immunoglobulins is also discussed. Copyright © 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd.