MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with mediastinitis were analyzed out of 1,006 cardiac surgeries with sternotomy performed in "Felício Rocho Hospital" in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, between 1993 and 1998. The complication occurred in 3.2% patients submitted to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), 3.1% in transplantations, 1.1% in valve diseases and none in congenital corrections. RESULTS: The general infection rate was 2.1% and the identified was Staphylococcus aureus (39.1%). Different treatments performed during this period are presented: simple drainage, debridment and rotation of the pectoralis and omental flaps. CONCLUSION: The omental flap rotation started on the Service in 1995, considerably improved the results and mortality due to this complication has been eliminated the past 2.5 years.
Mediastinitis; Cardiac surgical procedures; Sternum; Surgical flaps; Omentum
