Post-Op Infection & Flap Surgery

Posted By Christine H. on May 20, 1999 at 10:01:49
Dear Doctor:
On Feb 22/99 my 65 year old mother underwent triple bypass surgery.  Four days later she developed "osteomyelitis with a wound dehiscence and purlent discharge" according to the Operative note dictated on the day of her second surgery March 3/99.  They removed almost all of the sternum,only about 15% remains, and most of the costal cartilage from the ribs 4 and below.  They did a flap surgery where they brought the omentum up and covered her pericardium and then advanced the pectoral muscles to close the defects.  My question to you is whether this type of extreme infection is common and whether it is generated in the operating room during the first bypass surgery.  In other words, where did the infection come from??  It has taken until last week for the incision to close completely!  She is in a lot of pain and is scared as hell and so am I.  How long does it take to recover from something like this? Please advise.  I thank you for your time and appreciate greatly the service you offer.  Thank-you.










Follow Ups:


Re: Post-Op Infection & Flap Surgery CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 5/20/1999
(1)

Post-Op Infection & Flap Surgery Chrisitne 5/27/1999
(0)