Use of the Bra as Prevention of Sternal Wound Dehiscence in Cardiac Surgery

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Bra Application in Women as a Device for Prevention of Surgical Wound Dehiscence in the Post-operative Cardiac Surgery

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of bra application as a prevention of dehiscence in women with median sternotomy.

Background: it is known that the size and support of the breasts are a specific problem in post-operative women of cardiac surgery by means of medium sternotomy. There is little evidence of the therapeutic action of the bra as a measure to prevent dehiscence of the surgical wound.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of bra application as a prevention of dehiscence in women with median sternotomy.

Methods: Randomised clinical trial; post-test control group in women undergoing cardiac surgery by mean sternotomy. Groups: application of post-surgical or non-surgical breast bra. Endpoint: incidence of dehiscence. Other variables: sociodemographic, signs of infection, pain, related to assessment of the wound on admission. Assessment of the surgical wound daily, at discharge, at month, 3 months and 6 months post discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years
• Cardiac surgery intervention in the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital with non-critical preoperative
• Surgical intervention performed throughout medium sternotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• More than 72 hours admitted in an intensive care unit after surgery
• Cognitive impairment or severe physical disability
• Mastectomy
• External wound occlusion with Opsite® fixative absorbent dressing
• Emergency surgery