Table 2 Classification reported in 1996 by El Oakley, based on postoperative period of the infectious process and the presence of clinical risk factor
From: Review on risk factors, classification, and treatment of sternal wound infection
Classification | Description | Treatment strategy |
|---|---|---|
Type I | DSWI (Mediastinitis) present in up to 2 weeks after the operation in the absence of risk factors | Thorough debridement and mediastinal lavage |
Type II | DSWI (Mediastinitis) present in 2 to 6 weeks after surgery in the absence of risk factors | |
Type IIIA | DSWI (Mediastinitis) type I in the presence of one or more risk factors | Early plastic surgery |
Type IIIB | DSWI (Mediastinitis) type II in the presence of one or more risk factors | |
Type IVA | DSWI (Mediastinitis) type I, II or III after treatment failure | Delayed closure of muscle or omental flap after wound debridement |
Type IVB | DSWI (Mediastinitis) type I, II or III after failure of one or more treatments | |
Type V | DSWI (Mediastinitis) present for the first time after 6 weeks post-operatively | Wound debridement, sternal resection, removal of exposed |