Sauvetage de prothèses en reconstruction mammaire : à propos de sept cas consécutifs

Abstract

In breast reconstruction, periprosthetic infection is one of the most feared complications. Treatment is not clearly defined. The classical recommendation mandates implant removal and antibiotic treatment before a 3- to 6-month delayed reimplantation. This approach may compromise the final result. The authors present a series of seven consecutive infected implants early "salvages" in six patients over 304 implants during a period ranging from February 2008 to October 2009, All patients were operated using the same protocol: implant removal, irrigation with 6l of saline, implant replacement, antibiotic treatment for staphylococcus during 3 weeks. The seven infections were treated successfully. No recurrent infection was found with a mean follow-up of 16 months. One case of Baker III capsular contracture is noticed. Cosmetic results were moderate in one case, and satisfying or very satisfying in six cases. In case of periprosthetic infection without sign of severity or skin necrosis, abundant irrigation and implant salvage is an effective alternative to implant removal.