Endoscopic vein-graft harvesting for coronary bypass grafting: good results in patients at risk for surgical site infection

Objective

To determine the clinical impact of endoscopic vein-graft harvesting in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who are at risk for surgical site infection.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Method

Of patients undergoing elective CABG between March 1st 2006 and March 1st 2007, 335 were eligible for analysis. The results of endoscopic vein-graft harvesting were compared with traditional open vein-graft harvesting. Medical records of all patients were reviewed and data collection was completed by means of a telephone survey. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of surgical site infections. Secondary outcome measures were duration of hospital stay, patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Results

Among the 335 patients included the incidence of surgical site infection was 2.5% following open harvesting (n = 236) and 2.0% following endoscopic harvesting (n = 99; p = 0.08). Patients in the endoscopic harvesting group had more risk factors for surgical site infection (diabetes, peripheral artery disease, obesity). Surgical site infection after open harvesting resulted in a prolonged hospital stay and a higher number of patients undergoing open wound treatment, re-admittance and additional surgical procedures. Total mean hospital stay in the open harvesting group was 7.9 days and 6.1 days in the endoscopic harvesting group (p < 0.05). Patients were more satisfied with the surgical wound after endoscopic harvesting compared with open harvesting (patient satisfaction score: 8.6 versus 7.8; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Endoscopic vein-graft harvesting resulted in a – statistically non-significant – lower incidence of surgical site infection than open harvesting, although the patients had a higher risk for infections. Infections in the endoscopic harvesting group were less severe. The hospital stay was shorter and the patient satisfaction was higher than in the open harvesting group.

Conflict of interest: none declared. Financial support: none declared.