What are the risk factors for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery?
The risk factors for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery include prolonged operative time, excessive blood loss, reoperation, diabetes, obesity, smoking, advanced age, and immunosuppression. Other factors that have been identified in various studies include increased preoperative C-reactive protein levels, the use of internal mammary artery grafts, the use of topical antibiotics, and the use of a double gloving and surgical technique.