A prospective randomized study of sternal closure: comparison of Mersilene tape versus standard wire closure.

BACKGROUND: To compare in a prospective randomized study Mersilene tape and standard metal wire for complications and pain upon sternal wound closure. METHODS: Sixty-four patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were prospectively randomized to undergo sternal closure using either Mersilene tape (n=30) or standard metal wire (n=34). The intensity of postoperative pain from the chest wound was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) on the second and seventh postoperative days and one month after surgery. The examinations with chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) one month after surgery were performed to evaluate the chest wound and sternum. Follow-up data on sternal and wound healing was assessed for up to one year. RESULTS: No deaths, sternal dehiscence or infection occurred in either group. No wound complications were observed in either group during the year following surgery. A review of data revealed that there was no difference in the intensity of postoperative pain according to the VAS between the two groups. Chest CT demonstrated that no patients in either group had cuts in the sternum. CONCLUSION: This prospective randomized study showed Mersilene tape sternal closure not to be more closely associated with increased complications or patient discomfort due to sternal wound than the standard wire closure.