Rigid Sternal Fixation Alone Does Not Result in a Reduction in Postoperative Opiod Administration Following Cardiac Surgery

Authors

Jane Branch, MaineHealthFollow
Chinedu Okoli, MaineHealthFollow
Kyla Wigant, MaineHealthFollow
Jaime Rabb, MaineHealthFollow
Robert S. Kramer, MaineHealthFollow
Anne Hicks, MaineHealthFollow
Ansar Hassan, MaineHealthFollow

Files

Description

Background: Persistent postoperative pain, infection, and sternal dehiscence are devastating complications after cardiac surgery that affect patient quality of life and increase healthcare system burden. Chronic sternal pain lasting more than 1 year affects 25 to 33% of cardiac surgery patients, and wound complications such as infection and sternal nonunion represent significant peri-operative risk factors1,2. Wire cerclage (WC) is the most widely accepted sternal closure technique among cardiac surgeons because of its perceived lower rates of sternal dehiscence, wound infection, and cost.

Publication Date

5-2-2025

Publisher

MaineHealth

City

Portland, Maine

Disciplines

Surgery

Comments

Chinendu Okoli- Resident

Recommended Citation

Branch, Jane; Okoli, Chinedu; Wigant, Kyla; Rabb, Jaime; Kramer, Robert S.; Hicks, Anne; and Hassan, Ansar, "Rigid Sternal Fixation Alone Does Not Result in a Reduction in Postoperative Opiod Administration Following Cardiac Surgery" (2025). Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025. 7.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2025/7