Copeland et al evaluated the impact of breast size on the risk of deep sternal wound infection in women following cardiac surgery with median sternotomy. This can help identify patients who may benefit from closer monitoring and more aggressive management. The authors are from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and Henry Ford Medical Center in Detroit.
Deep sternal wound infections were defined as those requiring reoperation with one or more of the following:
(1) operative debridement
(2) wire removal
(3) flap reconstruction
Breast Cup Size
Odds Ratio (mean) for Deep Sternal Infection
A
1.0
B
1.0
C
14.9
D
42.1
DD
42.1
Macromastia was also a risk factor for wound dehiscence.
Wearing a supportive brassiere in the post-operative period may help reduce the risk.
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