[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.