Result analysis of 200 repeat sternotomies in pediatric cardiac operations

AIM To analyze the surgical technique and clinical results of repeat sternotomy in pediatric cardiac surgery. METHODSClinical data of 200 repeat median sternotomies from January 2012-January 2014 in our pediatric cardiac center were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTSSurgical procedures for the 200 cases were all completed and operative mortality occurred in two patients. Median age and weight were, respectively, 5.2 (0.6-16.8) years and 18.1 (5-112) kg. Time for cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamp was, respectively, 142.6 (37-442) min and 89.2 (21-222) min. There were seven major injuries and no deaths in the subgroup. No statistical difference was found in the operative mortality major injury group and no major injury group. CONCLUSIONRepeat sternotomy in pediatric cardiac surgeries is relatively safe. Major injury during repeat sternotomy is not associated with increased risk of operative mortality.