[Cost effectiveness of V.A.C. therapy after post-sternotomy mediastinitis].
Since November 2001 all patients with postoperative sternum bone infections were treated with V.A.C. therapy. The mean length of stay at intensive care unit was reduced from 9 to 1 day and reduces costs for 33 714.- USD per patient. Additionally patients who had to be closed with pectoralis muscle flap had significant reduced length of stay at ICU (1 vs 4 days, cost effectiveness 14 984.- USD per patient). The V.A.C. therapy after post-sternotomy mediastinitis significantly reduces morbidity and mortalità and is cost effective.
Medizinische Universität Wien, Klinische Abteilung für Herz-Thoraxchirurgie, Wien, Osterreich. Reinhard.Moidl@meduniwien.ac.at
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics; D003646:Debridement / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings / Q000191:economics*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000191:economics*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics; D012086:Reoperation / Q000191:economics; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000191:economics*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery; D014618:Vacuum