STERNUM
Background
Following midline sternotomy procedures, post operative wound infection can occur. If severe, untreated, or poorly managed, wound infection can progress to wound dehiscence, osteomyelitis of the sternum, mediastinitis, and sepsis, complications described as deep sternal wound infections (DSWI). DSWI can prolong hospital stay and recovery time, may require re-exploration, and have high rates of morbidity and mortality. Management of DSWI involves close collaboration between cardiothoracic and plastic surgery, to manage the systemic and cardiac complications of DSWI while formulating a management strategy for sternal and soft tissue reconstruction. At present, there is no clear standard of management or clear guidelines for surgeons to follow when managing these infections, challenging optimal patient management and negatively influencing outcomes.
Aims
This project aims to establish current trends and practices in management of DSWI, to formulate a set of national standards and guidelines for their management. Local Leads will be responsible for gathering data relevant to this studies outcome within their local trust, to aid the gathering of high quality, representative national collaborative data. This will involve promotion and marketing of the project and survey, via email, social media and in-person to colleagues. The results of this survey will be synthesised, analysed and presented to guide standard of practice development in DSWI management.
Registration
Registration to join as a collaborator is open.
Further information will be sent after registering interest.
Mr Ian King – Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Joshua Totty – NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Plastic Surgery, Hull York Medical School
Mr Leo Grundle – Speciality Registrar in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Guys’ and St Thomas’ Hospital
Ms Hester Lacey – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Ms Aaina Mittal – Speciality Registrar in Cardiothoracic surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust
- Recruiting Centres
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Manuscript Submission
- Publication
Contact us
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sternum_collaborative