Faculty from UT Medicine San Antonio carried out a new infection-control protocol for 308 children who underwent sternotomies at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital from 2009-2011. The protocol tested included preoperative baths with a skin disinfectant, the use of disposable, single-use electrodes and administration of antibiotics no longer than an hour before the start of surgery.
Researchers found the number of sternal wound infections decreased from 14 the first year of the study to five the second year. Despite the positive results, the researchers concluded a multicenter study is necessary to further assess the protocol.
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