Strategy for salvaging infected breast implants: Lessons from the recovery of seven consecutive patients

Hyeonjung Yeo, Dongkyu Lee, Jin Soo Kim, Pil Seon Eo, Dong Kyu Kim, Joon Seok Lee, Ki Tae Kwon, Jeeyeon Lee, Ho Yong Park, Jung Dug Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background In recent years, implant-based breast reconstruction has been performed be-cause of its simplicity, short operation time, and rapid recovery of patients. Several studies have reported treatment methods for implant surgery-related infection, which is a serious complication. The aim of this study was to introduce our strategy for salvaging infected implants and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods The authors performed a retrospective study of 145 cases from 132 patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction from January 2012 to December 2018. Empirical antibiotics were immediately administered to patients with suspected infections. The patients then underwent salvage treatment including appropriate antibiotics, ultrasonogra-phy-guided aspiration, debridement, antibiotic lavage, and implant exchange through a mul-tidisciplinary approach. Patient demographics, operative data, duration until drain removal, adjuvant treatment, and complications were analyzed. Results The total infection rate was 5.5% (8/145). A longer indwelling catheter period and adjuvant treatment were significantly associated with infection. The salvage treatment showed a success rate of 87.5% (7/8). Seven patients who received early aggressive salvage treatment recovered from infection. One patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, who received salvage treatment 11 days after symptom onset, did not respond to drainage and antibiotic treatment. That patient subsequently underwent explantation. Conclusions In implant-based breast reconstruction, prevention of infection is of the utmost importance. However, if an infection is suspected, proactive empirical antibiotic therapy and collaboration with the necessary departments are required. Through a multidisciplinary approach and proactive early management, swift and appropriate salvage should be performed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)165-174
Number of pages10
JournalArchives of Plastic Surgery
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Breast implants
  • Infections
  • Interdisciplinary studies
  • Mammaplasty
  • Salvage therapy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Strategy for salvaging infected breast implants: Lessons from the recovery of seven consecutive patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this