Implant exposure and extrusion

Abstract

© Springer-Verlag Italia 2013. The salvage of the infected and or exposed breast prosthesis remains a challenging but viable option for a subset of patients. Keys to success include culture-directed antibiotics, capsulectomy, device exchange, and adequate soft tissue coverage. Relative contraindications to breast device salvage include atypical pathogens on wound culture, such as Gram-negative rods, methicillin-resistant <Emphasis Type=–Italic—>Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type=–Italic—>Candida parapsilosis</Emphasis>. Patients with a prior device infection and exposure and a history of either radiotherapy or <Emphasis Type=–Italic—>S. aureus</Emphasis> on wound culture should be closely monitored for signs of recurrent breast prosthesis infection/exposure and managed cautiously in the setting of elective breast surgery.