“Sternotomy” and the Factors Affecting Its Prognosis

Abstract

Cardiac surgeries predominantly require median sternotomy, as it is a useful incision, which is required to be done, for different operations. This incision is useful in performing thoracic operations as it also allows access to both pleural spaces. Patients and medical variables increase the rate of infection of this surgical wound. Complication of sternal wound infection and durability of chest pain associated to sternotomy is lasting more than 1 year in the patient. However, the medical factors involving ministernotomy, hospital stay, use of steroids, and sternotomy wound closure technique are the factors contributing to early wound healing and less complications, but the better understanding of surgical wound management and precaution to reduce sternal pressure following postoperative period can help to reduce the rate of complication.