EReply. The cheaper and efficient methods of prevention of deep sternal wound infection

Abstract

We would like to thank Dr Okonta for his eComment [1], which requires some clarifications as follows: 1. We do agree that “… prevention of DSWI focuses mainly on achieving mechanical sternal stability and preventing infection…” that is: more paired fixation points will bring more stability. 2. Nearly two-third of the suggested nine paired fixation points are performed peri-sternally with no assault to the sternum. 3. It is well-established that the figure-of-eight wiring technique is not superior to the aforementioned technique for sternal closure [2]. 4. The wound sinus is not the main point of our study as we focused on deep sternal wound infection only, however, we can say that the number of superficial wire infections is not increased with more wires. Obviously any technical fault may lead to wound infection [3]. 5. The advice of “…adopting good aseptic techniques…” is the principle of all specialties in our institution since the introduction of aseptic technique by Sir Joseph Lister [4]. A scientific methodology is required to measure and identify the aforementioned confounding factors such as ‘inappropriate usage of diathermy’. Conflict of Interest: None declared