Infection of a median sternotomy wound is a rare albeit potentially fatal complication because of the risk of mediastinitis and deep sternal wound infection. Current treatment of deep sternal wound infection comprises antibiotics, debridement and transposition of muscle or omental flaps to fill the anterior mediastinal dead space.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bart's and The London NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK. aina.greig@virgin.net
