Hydrogen Solution for Post-Sternotomy Mediastinitis Management
Management with closed irrigation for post-sternotomy mediastinitis
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System · Immune System
- Evidence type
- Case report or series · Human study
- Authors
- Shingo Ohuchi, Kohei Kawazoe, Kazuaki Ishihara, Hiroshi Izumoto, Kiyoyuki Eishi
- Journal
- The Japanese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
- Year
- 2003
- PMID
- 14621012
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 8
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 11 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
A treatment involving cleaning, draining, and antibiotics was mostly effective for a serious chest infection following heart surgery.
Key Finding
Closed irrigation using alternating povidone-iodine and electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution resulted in 87.5% survival and prevented recurrent infection in all 7 surviving patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis.
Summary
This study reviewed 8 cardiac surgery patients who developed mediastinitis (a serious infection in the chest cavity after heart surgery). Doctors treated them with aggressive cleaning of the infected area, followed by closed irrigation and drainage (continuously flushing the wound with liquid while keeping it sealed). They alternated between two solutions: povidone-iodine (a common disinfectant) and electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution (a specially treated salt water). Seven of the 8 patients survived and remained free of recurrent infection.
Practical Takeaway
This study examined a surgical infection treatment in a hospital setting and does not address hydrogen water as a consumer health product. The electrolyzed solution used was a disinfectant for direct wound irrigation during cardiac surgery, not a beverage. The findings are not applicable to drinking hydrogen water.
Abstract (excerpt)
The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of our treatment strategy for patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Between May 1997 and December 2000, 1,045 consecutive adult cardiac operations were performed at our center. Mediastinitis occurred in 8 patients (0.77%) and as treatment…