Komplikationen nach Sternotomie

Post-sternotomy complications comprise of a varied range problem that can occur at varying durations after a median sternotomy. Imaging playing in detection and aiding management.

Epidemiology

Complication rates for median sternotomy have been reported to range from 0.5-5%, with mortality rates from these ranging from 7-80%

Pathology

They are perhaps best divided into presternal, sternal and post-sternal compartments:

Presternal
  • cellulitis
  • sinus tract formation
  • presternal abscess formation
Sternal
Post-sternal/retrosternal
  • infection - inflammation related 
  • retrosternal hematoma 

Differential diagnosis

  • expected post-surgical appearances: can persist for around 2-3 weeks
    • small foci of mediastinal gas: usually resolve by around 7 days postoperatively but can persist longer
    • defects in the sternum (including of gaps up to 4 mm in width)
    • step-offs (sternal tables at different levels)
    • impaction (overriding of the sternal halves)
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