Outcome following removal of infected tissue expanders in breast reconstruction: a 10-year experience. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Although several studies have analyzed risk factors for tissue expander removal prior to permanent implant placement in breast reconstruction, the outcome following explantation because of infection is unknown. From a prospectively maintained database covering a 10-year period, 39 such patients were identified. Twelve (30.8%) had prior radiotherapy. Nine patients (23%) underwent reexpansion, 3 (7.7%) had a latissimus dorsi flap and expander, and 1 (2.6%) received a free transverse rectus abdominis flap. Recurrent infection occurred in 1 reexpanded patient. Two patients developed late contractures. All other reconstructions were successful. Twenty-six patients (66.7%) did not undergo secondary reconstruction, most commonly due to a combination of patient preference, cancer progression, and radiotherapy. After removal of an infected expander, most patients who are interested and remain good candidates can still be reconstructed. Reexpansion was successful in patients without prior radiotherapy. Secondary reconstruction with autologous tissue is appropriate when there is a history of radiotherapy.

publication date

  • August 1, 2007

Research

keywords

  • Mammaplasty
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections
  • Tissue Expansion Devices

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 34547665111

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/01.sap.0000252716.73356.68

PubMed ID

  • 17667404

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 59

issue

  • 2