An approach to improve early detection of sternal wound infection

Authors

  • Mohammad H. Howlader St George's Hospital
  • John S. Smith St George's Hospital
  • Brendan Madden St George's Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i1.1815

Keywords:

Detection, Infection, Sternal wound

Abstract

We developed a reproducible and reliable method of using a rubber stamp prospectively to document appearances of the sternal wound. 395 consecutive patients undergoing median sternotomy for cardiac procedures were studied over a period of four months. Data were collected by the Senior House Officer during the ward round for all patients at Day 3 and Day 7 post-operatively. Data were entered for 303 patients using the rubber stamp. 78 patients had no stamp entered in their case notes. 21 patients were recorded as having abnormal wounds, 11 of whom confirmed positive microbiological growth.  On the other hand, 282 patients were recorded to have normal wounds, 10 of which had positive bacterial growth. Our initial results have been encouraging with almost 80% compliance and 96% specificity. A simple recording system consisting of proven signs of infection known to medical practitioners was our tool.

Keywords: Detection; Infection; Sternal wound

Online: 21 May 2009

DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v35i1.1815

Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 11-14

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Author Biography

Mohammad H. Howlader, St George's Hospital

Presently a surgical trainee at King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK

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Published

2009-05-15

How to Cite

Howlader, M. H., Smith, J. S., & Madden, B. (2009). An approach to improve early detection of sternal wound infection. Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin, 35(1), 11–14. https://doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i1.1815

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Research Papers

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