Successful Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures Despite Candida Colonization of the Mediastinum

Tammy Ju; Lisbi Rivas; Babak Sarani

doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.03.009

Successful Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures Despite Candida Colonization of the Mediastinum

Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 Sep;106(3):e121-e123. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.03.009. Epub 2018 Apr 6.

Authors

Tammy Ju¹, Lisbi Rivas², Babak Sarani³

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Surgery, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC. Electronic address: tammyju@gwu.edu.
² Department of General Surgery, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC.
³ Center for Trauma and Critical Care, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC.

PMID: 29630876
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.03.009

Abstract

Pleural space or chest wall infection is a contraindication to surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) because of the risk of hardware infection. However, the exact degree of risk is uncertain. SSRF is associated with a decreased need for mechanical ventilation and pneumonia. This case report describes a patient with polytrauma and Candida colonization of the mediastinum who successfully underwent SSRF.

MeSH terms

Candida / growth & development*
Humans
Mediastinal Diseases / complications
Mediastinal Diseases / surgery
Mediastinum / microbiology*
Rib Fractures / complications
Rib Fractures / surgery*