What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed patient records to compare the outcomes of repeat sternotomy in pediatric cardiac operations against a control group of patients undergoing their first heart surgery.
What They Found
The study found that hospital mortality was 2.6% for patients undergoing repeat sternotomy, compared to 3.8% in the control group. Cardiac laceration occurred in 10 of 192 patients (5.2%) undergoing repeat sternotomy, and two patients experienced an air embolism successfully treated with a hyperbaric chamber. Patients undergoing repeat sternotomy had longer intensive care unit stays (4 days vs. 2 days) and hospital stays (11 days vs. 7 days) compared to the control group.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian children needing repeat cardiac surgery, this research indicates that while there are specific risks like cardiac laceration and longer hospital stays, overall survival rates are similar to those undergoing their first heart surgery. Importantly, the study highlights that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a life-saving treatment for rare but serious complications like air embolism during these procedures.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted by Canadian authors. It also highlights the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for air embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for HBOT.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its retrospective design, reviewing cases from 1985 to 1997, meaning surgical techniques and patient care may have advanced since then.