Topical Vancomycin Usage in Prevention Surgical Site Infection in Cardiac Surgery

Ruslan A. Lazarev, Gufron A. Shamsiev, Farid A. Khammud, Dmitriy A. Popov, Olamafruz K. Abdulloev, Firdavs I. Zakirov

A.N. Bakoulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia

Date, time and location: 2018.05.25 15:30, Exhibition area, 1st Floor. Zone – B

Abstract

Background

Despite the fact that nowadays the frequency of surgical site infection in cardiac surgery is getting lower, this problem remains very serious and requires further struggle against occurrence of this complication. Sternal wound infections continue to be one of the mostunfavorable predictors of morbidity and mortality, and continue to be associated with decreased long-term life expectancy. Also, this complication leads to a significant increase in the cost of their treatment, which is also important.

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine whether topical vancomycin usage would reduce the incidence of surgical site infections

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients(n=338) from June 2014 to December 2017 who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve operations at a single department. They were divided into two groups, the «A» (n=169) group without using vancomycin paste and group «B» (n=169) patients who underwent cardiac surgery with using vancomycin paste. Vancomycin paste was applied to sternal edges before sternum closure.

Results

Of the 338 patients whose records we examined, the surgical site infection (Deep Sternal Wound Infection) developed in 3 (1,8%) patients in group «A», and noone who had deep sternal wound infection in group «B».

Conclusions

Topical vancomycin paste applied to the sternal edges helps to eliminate wound infections in cardiac surgical patients.