Role of topical vancomycinin reduction of sternal wound infection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of topical vancomycin to reduce the rate of wound infection in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from June 2018 to December 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty patients of both genders undergoing open heart surgery were included in this study. Patient ages ranged from 40 to 70 years. All the patients were divided into two groups. Group I consistedof 90 patients and received topical vancomycinpaste on the sternal wound, Group II also consisted of 90 patients who received topical normal saline before sternal wound closure. The rate of sternal wound infection was examined. Results: There were 133 (73.89%) males and 26.11% females. Patients who received vancomycin had less superficial and deep sternal wound infections than the patients who didn't received vancomycin (2.22% vs 6.67%) and (1.11% vs 4.4%). Conclusion: The use of vancomycin paste to the sternal edges with perioperative antibiotics helps to reduce the sternal wound infection rate.