Pectoralis major muscle flap for deep sternal wound infection in neonates

Background. Deep sternotomy wound infections during the neonatal period, their management utilizing the pectoralis major muscle flap (PMF), and their follow-up are reported. Methods. Seven hundred-twenty consecutive pediatric cardiac operations performed from 1995 to mid 1998 in 108 neonates and 612 infants are reviewed. Nine children (1.25%), 6 neonates and 3 infants, developed deep sternotomy wound infections and underwent PMF reconstruction. The 6 neonates are reviewed. Their follow-up includes growth and development reports, physical examination, and computerized tomographic scans of the chest. Results. The incidence of sternal wound complications in our neonatal patients (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 treated 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 facilitate surgical treatment. Utilizing the PMF promotes rapid wound healing and preservation of life in these severely ill neonates, with minimal developmental problems.