resternotomy
Pronunciation: ree-STUR-not-oh-mee
Surgical reopening of a previously divided sternum, typically for cardiac reoperations or management of complications.
Full Definition
Resternotomy is the surgical procedure of reopening a sternum that has been previously divided, most commonly in patients requiring cardiac reoperation. This procedure carries increased risks compared to primary sternotomy due to adhesions between the heart, great vessels, and chest wall that develop following initial surgery. Careful planning and technique are essential to avoid injury to underlying structures, particularly when patent grafts or prosthetic material are present. Resternotomy may be performed for valve reoperations, graft failure, mediastinal bleeding, or infectious complications. The procedure often requires longer operative times and specialized techniques for safe entry into the mediastinum.
Usage
Usage note: Use hyphenated form 're-sternotomy' in some style guides.
In Context
- "Resternotomy was performed with careful dissection to avoid injury to the patent LIMA graft." — operative report
- "The increased bleeding risk associated with resternotomy requires meticulous hemostatic technique." — surgical textbook