Pectoralis major muscle flap for deep sternal wound infection in neonates

Background. Deep sternotomy wound infections during the neonatal period, th eir management utilizing the pectoralis major muscle flap (PMF), and their follow-up are reported. Methods. Seven hundred-twenty consecutive pediatric cardiac operations perf ormed from 1995 to mid 1998 in 108 neonates and 612 infants are reviewed. N ine children (1.25%), 6 neonates and 3 infants, developed deep sternotomy w ound infections and underwent PMF reconstruction. The 6 neonates are review ed. Their follow-up includes growth and development reports, physical exami nation, and computerized tomographic scans of the chest. Results. The incidence of sternal wound complications in our neonatal patie nts (5.5%, 6 of 108) was significantly higher than in the infantile group ( 0.5%, 3 of 612), (p = 0.0001, odds ratio = 11.94). Five neonates were treat ed with a unilateral, turnover PMF reconstruction. One patient was treated by a bilateral rotational PMF. All sternal wounds healed successfully, and all patients survived. In a follow-up period, ranging from 6 to 31 months ( mean 16.5 months), the growth and development of all operated neonates was as expected for their age. There were no signs of chronic sternal infection in any of them. Conclusions. Early recognition of sternal wound complications should facili tate surgical treatment. Utilizing the PMF promotes rapid wound healing and preservation of life in these severely ill neonates, with minimal developm ental problems. (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.