AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the management of infections related to synthetic grafts used in the superior vena cava between 2001 and 2018, based on data from the French EPITHOR database.
- Out of 111 patients studied, 12 developed graft infections primarily due to contamination, with management including either conservative treatment or a surgical approach depending on the severity of the infection.
- The results indicate a 25% operative mortality rate and suggest that while graft removal isn't always required, it should be considered for severe or recurrent infections.
Article Abstract
Objectives: To report our experience on the management of superior vena cava graft infection.
Methods: Between 2001 and 2018, patients with superior vena cava synthetic graft or patch reconstruction after resection of intrathoracic tumours or benign disease were selected retrospectively from the French EPITHOR database and participating thoracic centres. Our study population includes patients with superior vena cava graft infection, defined according to the MAGIC consensus. Superior vena cava synthetic grafts in an empyema or mediastinitis were considered as infected.
Results: Of 111 eligible patients, superior vena cava graft infection occurred in 12 (11.9%) patients with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft secondary to contiguous contamination. Management consisted of either conservative treatment with chest tube drainage and antibiotics (n = 3) or a surgical graft-sparing strategy (n = 9). Recurrence of infection appears in 6 patients. Graft removal was performed in 2 patients among the 5 reoperated patients. The operative mortality rate was 25%.
Conclusions: Superior vena cava graft infection may develop as a surgical site infection secondary to early mediastinitis or empyema. Graft removal is not always mandatory but should be considered in late or recurrent graft infection or in infections caused by aggressive microorganisms (virulent or multidrug resistant bacteria or fungi).
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8860414 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icvts/ivab337 | DOI Listing |
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