Table 1 Definition of complications in patients with chronic post-sternotomy wounds undergoing pedicle flap reconstruction. NPWT: Negative pressure wound therapy

Flap related

Bleeding

Direct postoperative bleeding requiring operative control

Hematoma

Blood collection around the flap requiring intervention

Marginal necrosis

Wound dehiscence or minor flap necrosis, mostly in the inferior part (distal end), requiring dressing changes for >3 weeks

Moderate flap necrosis

Necrosis < 50% of the flap requiring debridement ± NPWT ± re-reconstruction either with skin grafting or flap reconstruction

Flap loss >50% (severe flap necrosis)

Necrosis of more of 50% of the flap, requiring debridement ± NPWT ± re-reconstruction either with skin grafting or flap reconstruction

Donor-site related

Seroma

Fluid collection requiring intervention (drainage, aspiration)

Necrosis

Any tissue necrosis resulting in skin defect, requiring debridement ± NPWT ± reconstruction with skin grafting