title: Sternal dehiscence: "delayed primary closure" for complicated cases.
abstract: "Delayed primary closure" of the wound in cases of sternal dehiscence is reported. This technique includes a thorough debridement, continuous antibiotic lavage, and air tight force suction of the debrided space, using a portable wound suction unit. Healing process of the complicated sternal dehiscence is thus facilitated. A discussion is made of reasons for failure and missed chances in "early primary closure" of the sternal dehiscence.
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing