Staph infection following bypass surgery

[John Jagger]

My 81-year old father (an insulin-dependent diabetic) recently had quadruple bypass surgery.  He seemed to tolerate the operation quite well, but developed a staph infection at the chest incision about a week after surgery.  An intensive 5 or 6 week antibiotics regime did not eliminate the infection, so the affected area was surgically removed yesterday.  His sternum was also removed due to the infection, but his chest muscles were not reworked as a part of this process.  My question is what can he expect in terms of a recovery, and how will this operation affect his ability to lift things, use his arms, etc?  He had been able to live independently up until the time of his bypass operation. Thank you.

[mariav1961]

A related discussion, bypass infection was started.

[candicari]

A related discussion, staph infection on incision from open heart surgery was started.

[Oscar Cooper]

I developed a staph infection following back surgery. I had it reoacked daily and was on an antibiotic. Since it didn't heal, it was reopened, along the original incision. I am now having it packed 3 times daily with wet gauze. Oscar Cooper ( ***@****)

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

This is an unfortunate, but recognized, major complication of bypass surgery, particularly in elderly diabetics. It will likely take months to recover from this, assuming the infection is now eradicated, and he will be restricted from lifting anything heavy (including such things as groceries). He will need help at home for a few months at least.