OUTCOMES AND SAFETY OF STERNAL CLOSURE USING NON-ABSORBABLE POLYESTER BRAIDED SUTURE: SINGLE TERTIARY CARE CENTER EXPERIENCE OF 5 YEARS.

Introduction: Median sternotomy is done as regular practice in cardiac surgery, which can lead to morbidity and mortality after sternal closure. Inappropriate sternal closure can lead to sternal dehiscence, sternal wound infection and mediastinitis. Aim: Efficacy and outcomes of sternal closure in adults weighing 2.5 kgs to 50 kgs using non-absorbable polyester braided suture. Methods: Total of 1091 patients underwent standard median sternotomy, weighing between 2.5 kgs to 50 kgs had sternal closure using non absorbable, braided, sterile, surgical suture composed of Poly ethylene terephthalate [polyester]. A retrospective analysis was done to review outcomes and complications related to this sternal closure technique. Results: Nineteen patients developed superficial surgical site infection and sternal sinus were seen in eight patients, whereas one patient had sternal dehiscence during immediate post-operative period. No sternal sutures were broken during the sternal closure and no case of mediastinitis was seen. Follow-up analyses of patients were done for 6 months after open heart surgery. Conclusion: Sternal closure using non-absorbable polyester braided suture is a safe and effective method with very less chances of post sternal wound complications in patients weighing between 2.5 kgs to 50 kgs.