Re: 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.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on May 20, 1999 at 12:06:23
Dear Christine,
This type of infection can occur after surgery and is one of the potential complications of CABG.  The rate for osteomyolitis at the CCF is less than 1%.  I don't know if I can answer your question about where the infection came from.  There are bacteria everywhere and the infection she developed was due to bacteria on her own skin.  Do you know the type of bacteria that was present?
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Chrisitne__0]

Posted By Chrisitne on May 27, 1999 at 10:34:49
Thank-you for your reply!  The type of bacteria was originally E. Coli then Pseudomonas (I think I spelled that right).  Could the Cleaveland Clinic Heart Centre examine her and tell me more if I make an appointment?  I am Canadian and would have to pay for this service, I understand.  Would you have any idea how much it would cost for a complete examination and consultation?
Thank-you again.










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