Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 54(5): 300-306
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924093
Original Cardiovascular

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prediction of and Risk Factors for Surgical Wound Infection in the Saphenous Vein Harvesting Leg in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass

C. L. Swenne1 , 2 , J. Borowiec1 , M. Carlsson2 , C. Lindholm3
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
  • 2Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala Science Park, Uppsala, Sweden
  • 3Department of Surgical Sciences, Karolinska Institute/Department of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

Received September 5, 2005

Publication Date:
10 August 2006 (online)

Abstract

Background: Surgical wound infection (SWI) of the leg after saphenous vein harvesting is an important complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. SWIs may restrict mobility in the postoperative period and increase costs of postoperative hospitalisation and antibiotic treatment. Methods: A total of 356 patients were followed. Surgical risk factors were evaluated for SWI following saphenous vein harvesting, and the effectiveness of an occlusive glycerinated hydrogel dressing in reducing postoperative SWIs was assessed. In addition, the ability of postoperative clinical wound assessment to predict SWI following CABG 30 and 60 days after operation was investigated. Results: The most important risk factor for SWI after saphenous vein harvesting was the use of a monofilament suture for skin closure (glycomer 4-0 Biosyn® Tyco Healthcare, Stockholm, Sweden) (p > 0.001). The hydrogel dressing did not prevent the development of SWIs. The clinical wound assessment showed that wound gap was associated with leg infection, but other signs were poor predictors of SWI. Conclusion: The choice of suture and suturing technique is important to prevent SWI following saphenous vein harvesting. More precise definitions of wound signs are necessary if they are to be used as predictors of SWI.

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Christine Leo Swenne

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery · Uppsala University Hospital

OTM divisionen ing 40, 4 tr

751 85 Uppsala

Sweden

Phone: + 46186113994

Fax: + 46 18 50 93 55

Email: christine.leo.swenne@akademiska.se