Which factors contribute to the increased risk of sternal wound infection post-surgery?

The factors that significantly contribute to the increased risk of sternal wound infection post-surgery include diabetes and obesity. Both conditions compromise the body's immune response and can impair wound healing.

Diabetes can lead to poor circulation, neuropathy, and an increased risk of infections due to elevated blood sugar levels, which can impede the function of white blood cells. This makes infection more likely. Obesity also plays a critical role as it can create a larger area of tissue to heal, potentially blood supply issues, and can increase tension on the suture lines, leading to an increased risk of wound breakdown. Both conditions make surgical sites more susceptible to infection.

While other factors such as low blood volume and dehydration may contribute to overall patient health during surgery, they are not directly linked to sternal wound infections. Allergies to medications primarily affect patient tolerance to drugs used in treatment rather than wound healing. Youth and physical fitness typically enhance resilience and could be protective factors against complications post-surgery. Therefore, diabetes and obesity are key contributors to increased sternal wound infection risk following surgical procedures.