Purpose: To evaluate the indications, complications, cosmetic and functional results with submammary skin incision for a median sternotomy in females.
Methods: Two hundred and eighty female patients have undergone submammary skin incision for a median sternotomy between 1981 to 1991 ages ranged from 2 months to 42 years (m = 5 +/- 9 years).
Results: Adequate exposure of the heart was achieved in every case, there were no technical problems, no major complications and the cosmetic and functional results are excellent.
Conclusion: Complications associated with this incision are insignificant and the cosmetic and functional results are excellent justified routinely this approach for young women.