The Ever-Changing Role of Biofilms in Plastic Surgery:

Late-Onset Reactions after Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: A Consensus Recommendation on Etiology, Prevention and Management

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers, generally considered low-risk, can lead to rare late-onset reactions (LORs) manifesting between 3 and 4 months postinjection, occasionally even as early as 24 h postinjection. The Complication Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) board was established to review these reactions. In this publication, the authors aims to explore the etiological hypotheses underlying LORs, associated risk factors, prevention, and management approaches suggested by the CARE board. The CARE board identified three etiological hypotheses contributing to LORs. Firstly, the physicochemical structure of the filler, particularly low molecular weight HA, which may trigger an immune response. Secondly, infection, potentially introduced during injection or by dormant biofilm activation. Lastly, an imbalance in the host immune system, caused by factors like autoimmune diseases or viral infections, may lead to extended foreign body reactions, delayed type IV hypersensitivity, or adjuvant-based reactions. Based on these hypotheses, the board categorized various risk factors as patient-related (e.g., recent dental treatment, current medical status, active autoimmune disease), product-related (e.g., molecular weight), and procedure-related (e.g., aseptic technique and trauma). To reduce the risk of LORs, the CARE board recommends diligent patient selection, including comprehensive medical history assessment and informed consent. Practitioners should maintain an effective aseptic technique, and choose an appropriate product and injection depth for the anatomical location. Post-procedure, patients should receive education on proper filler care. Management of LORs depends on the suspected etiology, and the CARE board has proposed an algorithm to determine the most appropriate treatment. Hyaluronidase is recommended for noninflammatory reactions in the absence of active infection, while watchful waiting and/or steroid treatment may be preferred for inflammatory reactions. Hyaluronidase is not recommended as a first-line treatment for infections, which require drainage, bacterial culture, and antibiotic treatment. However, the board emphasizes the need for individualized evaluation and treatment in all cases.

Reducing Peri-implant Capsule Thickness in Submuscular Rodent Model of Breast Reconstruction With Delayed Radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Capsular contracture remains the most common complication following device-based breast reconstruction, occurring in up to 50% of women who also undergo adjuvant radiotherapy either before or after device-based reconstruction. While certain risk factors for capsular contracture have been identified, there remains no clinically effective method of prevention. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of coating the implant with the novel small molecule Met-Z2-Y12, with and without delayed, targeted radiotherapy, on capsule thickness and morphologic change around smooth silicone implants placed under the latissimus dorsi in a rodent model.

METHODS

Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats each had 2 mL smooth round silicone breast implants implanted bilaterally under the latissimus dorsi muscle. Twelve received uncoated implants and twelve received implants coated with Met-Z2-Y12. Half of the animals from each group received targeted radiotherapy (20 Gray) on postoperative day ten. At three and 6 months after implantation, the tissue surrounding the implants was harvested for analysis of capsular histology including capsule thickness. Additionally, microCT scans were qualitatively analyzed for morphologic change.

RESULTS

Capsules surrounding Met-Z2-Y12-coated implants were significantly thinner (P = 0.006). The greatest difference in capsule thickness was seen in the irradiated 6-month groups, where mean capsule thickness was 79.1 ± 27.3 μm for uncoated versus 50.9 ± 9.6 μm for Met-Z2-Y12-coated implants (P = 0.038). At the time of explant, there were no capsular morphologic differences between the groups either grossly or per microCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Met-Z2-Y12 coating of smooth silicone breast implants significantly reduces capsule thickness in a rodent model of submuscular breast reconstruction with delayed radiotherapy.

The Immunogenicity of Hyaluronic Fillers and Its Consequences

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan, a natural component of the extracellular matrix. The identical structure of the molecule in all living organisms is its main advantage, as it translates into the minimal probability of immunogenicity. Therefore, it is the closest to the ideal preparation used as a filler, due to its biocompatibility and stability at the site of implantation. This paper includes the discussion of the potential mechanisms of adverse immune reactions to HA along with the mechanisms of reaction following vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2. Based on the literature, we tried to systematize adverse immune reactions with systemic manifestations to HA. The occurrence of unpredictable reactions to hyaluronic acid indicates that they may not be treated as neutral or non-allergenic. The modifications of the chemical structure of HA, additives and individual tendencies in a patient may be the cause of unpredictable reactions, leading to serious health consequences. Preparations of unknown origin, poorly purified, or including bacterial DNA are particularly dangerous. Therefore, long-lasting follow-up of the patient and the selection of a preparation approved by the FDA or EMA are of high importance. Patients are often unaware of the consequences of cheaper procedures performed by persons without suitable knowledge with the use of unregistered products, so the public should be educated and legal regulations should be introduced.

Does washing medical devices before and after use decrease bacterial contamination?: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT

Surface treatment of medical devices may be a way of avoiding the need for replacement of these devices and the comorbidities associated with infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pre- and postcontamination washing of 2 prostheses with different textures can decrease bacterial contamination.The following microorganisms were evaluated: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prostheses were used and divided into 3 groups: prostheses contaminated; prostheses contaminated and treated before contamination; and prostheses contaminated and treated after contamination. Treatments were performed with antibiotic solution, chlorhexidine and lidocaine. After one week of incubation, the prostheses were sown in culture medium, which was incubated for 48 hours. The area of colony formation was evaluated by fractal dimension, an image analysis tool.The antibiotic solution inhibited the growth of S epidermidis and chlorhexidine decrease in 53% the colonization density for S aureus in for both prostheses in the pre-washing. In postcontamination washing, the antibiotic solution inhibited the growth of all bacteria evaluated; there was a 60% decrease in the colonization density of S aureus and absence of colonization for E faecalis with chlorhexidine; and lidocaine inhibited the growth of S aureus in both prostheses.Antibiotic solution showed the highest efficiency in inhibiting bacterial growth, especially for S epidermidis, in both washings. Lidocaine was able to reduce colonization by S aureus in post-contamination washing, showing that it can be used as an alternative adjuvant treatment in these cases.

Breast Cancer in the Presence of Failed Saline Breast Implants

Breast augmentation has been gaining popularity over the last two decades to correct congenital breast asymmetry or increase breast size and projection. Augmentation options started with saline implants, then silicone implants, and, recently, autologous fat transfer.

Unfortunately, breast implants are not without complications, some of which are common, like capsular contracture, implant failure and infection. Others are quite rare, such as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Most of these complications will eventually require explantation in most cases, as the patients’ and implants' age and risk of complications increase.

We present a 79-year-old patient who presented to our breast unit with a left breast lump with 50-year-old saline implants. A triple assessment revealed incidental right breast cancer treated with radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag-guided wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy and bilateral explantation.

Failure of an Ancient Breast Implant Can Lead to Significant Morbidity

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most popular reconstruction option following mastectomy. However, it is not without complications, some of which can be trivial while others can lead to significant morbidity, especially in geriatric patients. Severe capsular contracture, implant failure, infection, or suspected breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma are examples of complications that will eventually require explantation in most cases. As patients with implant-based reconstruction age, the risk of complications increases, which should be considered by treating physicians. We describe the case of a 90-year-old patient who presented to our emergency department after a fall with worsening confusion, which was attributed to a 60-year-old left breast implant rupture and a peri-implant infected hematoma confirmed with CT and ultrasound.

Update on Intraoperative Cultures, Biofilms, and Modifiable Factors During Revision of Clinically Non-Infected Penile Implants

INTRODUCTION

Penile implants have a limited lifespan, and as the population using inflatable penile prostheses ages, revision surgery has become increasingly common. Devices are frequently cultured during non-infectious revision surgeries, providing a burgeoning of evidence of positive cultures without clinical infection. However, the clinical significance of these cultures remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to review the current literature on culture results from revision surgery for clinically non-infected devices and summarize the available data to formulate a synopsis of clinically significant organisms and their significance and modifiable approaches to prosthesis surgery.

METHODS

A literature review was performed on 1 March, 2020 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms centered on penile prosthesis revision surgery, cultures, and infection. Titles and abstracts were reviewed for topical relevance with emphasis placed on literature from the last 20 years. Most publications comprised small case series aside from a single meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Since 1995, seven series have been published examining culture positivity at the time of revision surgery for clinically non-infected devices. Isolated organisms are most commonly from the Staphylococcus genus with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most frequently isolated organism on clinically non-infected devices. Reported culture positivity rates at the time of revision range between 9.8% and 80%.

CONCLUSION

Current literature pertaining to the clinical significance of culture positivity at the time of revision surgery for clinically non-infected penile prostheses is lacking; however, multiple series do report high rates of culture positivity. This does appear to confer a higher rate of subsequent infection and a lower revision-free survival. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most commonly isolated organism followed by other members of the Staphylococcus genus. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of modifiable variables or techniques on asymptomatic culture positivity and the ideal technologies for biofilm prevention. Nosé BD, Grimberg DCD, Lentz AC. Update on Intraoperative Cultures, Biofilms, and Modifiable Factors During Revision of Clinically Non-Infected Penile Implants. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:160-168.

Minimally invasive salvage of infected breast tissue expanders: A continuous closed irrigation technique based on surface biofilm disruption

BACKGROUND

Removal of the infected device has been the general treatment for device-associated infection in antibiotic failure. There have been anecdotal attempts to salvage infected medical devices by introducing a continuous closed irrigation system.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines whether continuous closed irrigation of an infected device is a successful alternative to removal in patients with recalcitrant device-associated infection.

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with recalcitrant periexpander infections during the course of expander-implant breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2018 were enrolled in a retrospective case-control study. Patients who failed antibiotics before 2017 underwent expander removal, but patients since 2017 underwent continuous closed irrigation of the infected expanders. Treatment details and clinical outcomes were compared. Rationale for expander irrigation was based on review of the current literature on biofilm research.

RESULTS

During the study period, 21 out of the 1176 patients were diagnosed with periexpander infection recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy. Among the 21 patients, 16 underwent expander removal and five underwent expander irrigation. Clinical outcomes were comparable in terms of resolution of infection signs. The irrigation group showed fewer patients who abandoned reconstruction after infection treatment (removal = 11/16, irrigation = 1/5). Literature review revealed that expander irrigation might have induced hydrodynamic disruption of the biofilm structure.

CONCLUSION

Expander irrigation was less invasive than removal and effective in suppressing severe recalcitrant periexpander infection. Continuous closed irrigation of infected expander devices may be a successful antibiofilm strategy in treating device-associated infections in select patients.

Periprosthetic Capsule Formation and Contracture in a Rodent Model of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction With Delayed Radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Capsular contracture (CC) is the most common complication of breast implantation, with an incidence of nearly 50% in patients undergoing breast reconstruction with subsequent radiotherapy. Although the move toward submuscular (SM) device placement led to a decreased incidence of CC, subcutaneous (SQ) implantation has seen a resurgence. The purpose of this study was to use a rodent model of breast reconstruction with smooth silicone implants and delayed radiotherapy to assess the occurrence of CC in SQ versus SM implantation.

METHODS

Custom 2 mL smooth round silicone implants were placed bilaterally into 12 female Sprague Dawley rats that were randomized into 4 groups of 3, with each group differing by implantation plane (SQ vs SM) and irradiation status (irradiated vs nonirradiated). Rats from the SQ group received implants bilaterally underlying the skin on the flank. Rats in the SM groups received implants bilaterally under the latissimus dorsi muscle. Irradiated rats received 20 Gy localized to each implant on postoperative day 10. One rat from each group was imaged with a micro-computed tomography scanner at baseline and at explant 3 months later, whereupon capsules from all rats were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Rats in the SQ group showed evidence of contracture on gross examination and greater evidence of morphologic disruption per micro-computed tomography scan. There was no evidence of contracture or morphologic disruption in either SM group. Mean ± SD capsule thickness was 39.0 ± 9.0 μm in the SQ versus 37.6 ± 9.8 μm in the SM nonirradiated groups and 43.9 ± 14.9 μm in the SQ versus 34.3 ± 8.3 μm in the SM irradiated groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In a rodent model of smooth silicone breast implantation and delayed radiotherapy, although there did not appear to be differences in capsule thickness regardless of device placement plane, SQ implants demonstrated gross evidence of CC. These data indicate that capsule thickness is only part of a larger pathogenetic picture, which should take into consideration the contribution from all peri-implant tissue.

The Detection of Bacteria and Matrix Proteins on Clinically Benign and Pathologic Implants

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Bacterial contamination of breast implants causes infection, can lead to capsular contracture, and is implicated in breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Bacteria, however, also colonize clinically benign breast implants and little is known about the biologic signals that trigger the switch from a benign to pathologic state.

Methods:

Explanted smooth as well as Biocell and Siltex textured breast implants associated with clinically normal and pathologic conditions were analyzed in this observational study. Immunofluorescence and bacterial culture techniques were performed. To avoid sampling bias, implant surfaces >25 sq cm were analyzed.

Results:

Bacteria were detected on 9 of 22 clinically normal explanted devices or periprosthetic capsules, including 40% of Biocell tissue expanders and 75% of Biocell textured implants. Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified in 67% of the bacteria-positive capsular contractures. Fibrinogen was present on 17 of 18, and collagen on 13 of 18 analyzed breast implants. S. epidermidis co-localized with collagen, while group B streptococci and Klebsiella pneumoniae co-localized with fibrinogen.

Conclusions:

Bacteria are often detectable on clinically benign breast implants when a multimodal approach is applied to a substantial proportion of the device surface to avoid sampling bias. The impact of bacteria on breast implant pathology should be studied in the presence of an adequate negative control group to account for clinically benign bacteria. Disruption of the interaction of bacteria with matrix proteins coating the surface of breast implants may represent a nonantibiotic strategy for the prevention of breast implant bacterial contamination.

Clinical Results on Innovation in Breast Implant Design

Breast implants have been shadowed in controversy since their introduction to the market; however, they represent a multi-million dollar industry and play a critical role both for cosmetic augmentation and enhancement and for reconstruction following treatment for cancer. With advancements in technology, breast implants have evolved tremendously over the years. Further, with the cessation of the FDA implemented moratorium on silicone, the use of silicone implants has grown exponentially over the years. Novel designs in the outer shell, breast implant fill particularly the cohesivity of the silicone gel, texturing of the outer shell, and the shape and projection of breast implants have produced a broad array of implants that can be employed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons to maximize outcomes for patients. However, despite the innovations in breast implant design and engineering, it is unclear whether these have had any influence on outcomes and patient satisfaction. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the technological advancements in breast implant technology in optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications associated with placement of breast implants for aesthetic as well as reconstructive procedures. The article will provide a synopsis of round versus shaped breast implants, saline versus silicone especially the advent of cohesive silicone gel implants, and the texturing of the outer shell, and how each of these components should be considered when counseling patients and deciding which implants offer the optimal benefits for each individual patient.

Oral foreign body granuloma to soft tissue fillers. Report of two cases and review of the literature

The increasing demand for cosmetic procedures in the orofacial area nowadays, results in a growing number of complications attributable to soft tissue fillers, including the development of foreign body granuloma. The purpose of this study is to present two additional cases of oral foreign body granulomas caused by liquid silicone and hyaluronic acid respectively and review the pertinent literature regarding the demographics, the clinical appearance, the histopathology and the treatment of these lesions.

Key words:Oral foreign body granuloma, hyaluronic acid, silicone, soft tissue filler.

A Formidable Foe Is Sabotaging Your Results: What You Should Know about Biofilms and Wound Healing

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe biofilm pathogenesis as it relates to problem wounds. 2. Understand the preclinical and clinical evidence implicating biofilm in problem wounds. 3. Explain the diagnostic and treatment challenges that biofilms create for problem wounds. 4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of emerging strategies aimed at counteracting these processes.

SUMMARY

Biofilm represents a protected mode of growth for bacteria, allowing them to evade standard diagnostic techniques and avoid eradication by standard therapies. Although only recently discovered, biofilm has existed for millennia and complicates nearly every aspect of medicine. Biofilm impacts wound healing by allowing bacteria to evade immune responses, prolonging inflammation and disabling skin barrier function. It is important to understand why problem wounds persist despite state-of-the-art treatment, why they are difficult to accurately diagnose, and why they recur. The aim of this article is to focus on current gaps in knowledge related to problem wounds, specifically, biofilm infection.

Injections through skin colonized with Staphylococcus aureus biofilm introduce contamination despite standard antimicrobial preparation procedures

While surgical site preparation has been extensively studied, there is little information about resistance of skin microbiota in the biofilm form to antimicrobial decontamination, and there are no quantitative models to study how biofilm might be transferred into sterile tissue/implant materials during injections for joint spine and tendon, aspiration biopsies and dermal fillers (DF). In this work, we develop two in vitro models to simulate the process of skin preparation and DF injection using pig skin and SimSkin (silicone) materials, respectively. Using the pig skin model, we tested three of the most common skin preparation wipes (alcohol, chlorhexidine and povidone iodine) and found that during wiping they reduced the biofilm bacterial burden of S. aureus (CFU cm-2) by three logs with no statistically significant differences between wipes. Using the SimSkin model, we found that transfer of viable bacteria increased with needle diameter for 30G, 25G and 18G needles. Transfer incidence decreased as injection depth was increased from 1 mm to 3 mm. Serial puncture and linear threading injection styles had similar transfer incidence, whereas fanning significantly increased transfer incidence. The results show that contamination of DF during injection is a risk that can be reduced by modifying skin prep and injection practices.

Microbial biofilm in human health - an updated theoretical and practical insight

The term biofilm designates an aggregate of microorganisms belonging to one or more species which adhere to various surfaces but also to each another. These microbial communities are included and interconnected within an organic structure known as slime, composed of protein substances, polysaccharides, and DNA.

The Center for Disease prevention and control considers infections with bacteria in biofilms among the 7 most important challenges which must be overcome in order to improve the safety of health services. The risk of microbial biofilm development exists for a long list of medical devices and equipment, as well as in certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis. An aggravating aspect is represented by the almost 1,000 times higher antimicrobial resistance of bacteria growing and multiplying within biofilms. Thus, in case of biofilm-infected medical devices, the resistance to antimicrobial treatments requires the removal of the device which essentially means the failure of the exploratory or therapeutic intervention in question.

The role of microbial biofilms in medical pathology is a subject that raises interest for both researchers and clinicians in order to establish new methods for prevention and treatment of biofilms. This paper is intended as an overview in the management of microbial biofilms, presenting future insights, with technological progress in microscopy, molecular genetics, and genome analysis. Therefore the present paper will focus on describing the mechanisms involved in biofilm development, biofilm related infections, methods of detection and quantification of microbial communities and therapeutical approaches.

An Overview of Infections Associated With Soft Tissue Facial Fillers: Identification, Prevention, and Treatment

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of infections associated with facial soft tissue fillers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed which evaluated infections associated with facial soft tissue fillers.

RESULTS

Infection rates with soft tissue fillers are low and are estimated at 0.04 to 0.2%. Most of these infections arise when skin contaminants infiltrate the injection site at the time of injection. These infections can occur early, up to several days after treatment, or delayed, occurring weeks to years after treatment. Reactions vary based on the filler absorbability and duration. Early recognition and treatment are important factors in managing our cosmetic surgery patients.

CONCLUSION

Although facial fillers are safe and predictable, infections can still occur. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons need to be able to prevent, recognize, and properly manage infections related to these popular injections.

Reducing infection risk in implant-based breast-reconstruction surgery: challenges and solutions

Implant-based procedures are the most commonly performed method for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. While donor-site morbidity is low, these procedures are associated with a higher risk of reconstructive loss. Many of these are related to infection of the implant, which can lead to prolonged antibiotic treatment, undesired additional surgical procedures, and unsatisfactory results. This review combines a summary of the recent literature regarding implant-related breast-reconstruction infections and combines this with a practical approach to the patient and surgery aimed at reducing this risk. Prevention of infection begins with appropriate reconstructive choice based on an assessment and optimization of risk factors. These include patient and disease characteristics, such as smoking, obesity, large breast size, and immediate reconstructive procedures, as well as adjuvant therapy, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For implant-based breast reconstruction, preoperative planning and organization is key to reducing infection. A logical and consistent intraoperative and postoperative surgical protocol, including appropriate antibiotic choice, mastectomy-pocket creation, implant handling, and considered acellular dermal matrix use contribute toward the reduction of breast-implant infections.

Seroma in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Seroma, as a complication of prosthetic breast reconstruction, results in patient distress, increased office visits, undesirable aesthetic outcomes, and--importantly--may escalate to infection and frank prosthesis loss. Herein, the authors review the pathophysiology and risk factors and attempt to collate published practices for avoidance and management of seroma.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published between 2000 and January of 2015. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall pooled incidence of seroma and to examine the effect of drain number and acellular dermal matrix use.

RESULTS

Seventy-two relevant primary articles and three systematic reviews were identified. Fifty-one citations met inclusion criteria, including two randomized controlled trials. The overall pooled incidence was 5.4 percent (95 percent CI, 4.1 to 6.7 percent). Obesity, acellular dermal matrix, and preoperative irradiation were cited risk factors. Pooled relative risk for acellular dermal matrix was 1.83 (95 percent CI, 1.28 to 2.62). Drain practices were collated from 34 articles.

CONCLUSIONS

Seromas following prosthetic breast reconstruction are complicated by the hypovascular, proinflammatory milieu of the mastectomy skin flap, the geometrically complex dead space, and the presence of a foreign body with potential contamination and biofilm. There is reasonable evidence to suggest that these factors contribute to a progression of seroma to infection and prosthesis loss. These findings have motivated this summary article on current practice guidelines and strategies to prevent and treat seromas.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

Salvaging the Infected Breast Tissue Expander: A Standardized Multidisciplinary Approach

Background:

Infections of breast tissue expander (TE) are complex, often requiring TE removal and hospitalization, which can delay further adjuvant therapy and add to the overall costs of breast reconstruction. Therefore, to reduce the rate of TE removal, hospitalization, and costs, we created a standardized same-day multidisciplinary outpatient quality improvement protocol for diagnosing and treating patients with early signs of TE infection.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 26 consecutive patients who developed a surgical site infection between February 2013 and April 2014. On the same day, patients were seen in the Plastic Surgery and Infectious Diseases clinics, underwent breast ultrasonography with or without periprosthetic fluid aspiration, and were prescribed a standardized empiric oral or intravenous antimicrobial regimen active against biofilm-embedded microorganisms. All patients were managed as per our established treatment algorithm and were followed up for a minimum of 1 year.

Results:

TEs were salvaged in 19 of 26 patients (73%). Compared with TE-salvaged patients, TE-explanted patients had a shorter median time to infection (20 vs 40 days; P = 0.09), a significantly higher median temperature at initial presentation [99.8°F; interquartile range (IQR) = 2.1 vs 98.3°F; IQR = 0.4°F; P = 0.01], and a significantly longer median antimicrobial treatment duration (28 days; IQR = 27 vs 21 days; IQR = 14 days; P = 0.05). The TE salvage rates of patients whose specimen cultures yielded no microbial growth, Staphylococcus species, and Pseudomonas were 92%, 75%, and 0%, respectively. Patients who had developed a deep-seated pocket infection were significantly more likely than those with superficial cellulitis to undergo TE explantation (P = 0.021).

Conclusions:

Our same-day multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment algorithm not only yielded a TE salvage rate higher than those previously reported but also decreased the rate of hospitalization, decreased overall costs, and identified several clinical scenarios in which TE explantation was likely.

Histologic, Molecular, and Clinical Evaluation of Explanted Breast Prostheses, Capsules, and Acellular Dermal Matrices for Bacteria

BACKGROUND

Subclinical infections, manifest as biofilms, are considered an important cause of capsular contracture. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are frequently used in revision surgery to prevent recurrent capsular contractures.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify an association between capsular contracture and biofilm formation on breast prostheses, capsules, and ADMs in a tissue expander/implant (TE/I) exchange clinical paradigm.

METHODS

Biopsies of the prosthesis, capsule, and ADM from patients (N = 26) undergoing TE/I exchange for permanent breast implant were evaluated for subclinical infection. Capsular contracture was quantified with Baker Grade and intramammary pressure. Biofilm formation was evaluated with specialized cultures, rtPCR, bacterial taxonomy, live:dead staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Collagen distribution, capsular histology, and ADM remodeling were quantified following fluorescent and light microscopy.

RESULTS

Prosthetic devices were implanted from 91 to 1115 days. Intramammary pressure increased with Baker Grade. Of 26 patients evaluated, one patient had a positive culture and one patient demonstrated convincing evidence of biofilm morphology on SEM. Following PCR amplification 5 samples randomly selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated an abundance of suborder Micrococcineae, consistent with contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that bacterial biofilms likely contribute to a proportion, but not all diagnosed capsular contractures. Biofilm formation does not appear to differ significantly between ADMs or capsules. While capsular contracture remains an incompletely understood but common problem in breast implant surgery, advances in imaging, diagnostic, and molecular techniques can now provide more sophisticated insights into the pathophysiology of capsular contracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Therapeutic.