INTRODUCTION: Mediastinitis is one of the most feared complications for thoracic surgeons, being a significant factor in morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To find a new alternative in order to prevent mediastinitis, reducing the morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study including 1020 patients operated between February 2002 and October 2005. Patients underwent bypass surgery and vancomycin paste was used rather than bone wax in all cases. RESULTS: Patients were followed-up for 45 months; there were only five (0.49%) cases of mediastinitis; no deaths were observed. CONCLUSION: The use of Vancomycin paste to replace bone wax proved to be a great allied to prevent mediastinitis after thoracic surgery.
Mediastinitis; Vancomycin; Cardiac surgical procedures
