Redo Submammary Incision for Median Sternotomy and Cardiac Repair

Background Minimally invasive and cosmetically attractive approaches are fashionable in conducting cardiac operations. Methods We reviewed retrospectively our experience in patients undergoing cardiac operations by means of redo submammary incisions. Results Fifteen consecutive female patients with a mean age of 13.2 years (range, 0.7 to 44 years) underwent reoperation through a former submammary incision. Seventy-three percent (11 of 15) had median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cardiac repairs. The mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 78 ± 49.7 minutes (range, 16 to 182 minutes) and 114.4 ± 66.4 minutes (range, 27 to 261 minutes), respectively. Twenty-seven percent (4 of 15) had off-pump procedures; 3 for pacemaker-related issues (1 a third time reentry) and 1 for removal of sternal wires. Mean time interval between the primary submammary incision and reoperation was 5.4 ± 5.6 years (range, 0.01 to 20 years). Mean first 24 hours Hemovac drainage was 3.2 ± 2.4 mL/kg (range, 0.4 to 8.5 mL/kg). Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 2.1 ± 1.7 days (range, 0.0 to 5 days) and 5.5 ± 3.6 days (range, 0.80 to 13 days), respectively. One patient exhibited a chylothorax requiring ligation of her thoracic duct. Another patient had an infected seroma requiring incision and drainage 2 months postoperatively. Skin necrosis and infection were absent in this group. Breast development and lactation were normal. The cosmetic results were satisfactory. There was no mortality. Conclusions Redo sternotomies performed through redo transverse submammary incisions are safe for cardiac repair and result in acceptable cosmetic and functional results.