Related Experiment Videos
Candida colonisation within a silicone tissue expander
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Kirikkale University Medical School, Turkey.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Fungal contamination of tissue expanders, though rare, can occur. Candida albicans can colonize expanders, causing fluid discoloration and necessitating preventative measures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal contamination of medical devices like tissue expanders is infrequently documented.
- Previous reports indicate fungi associated with inflatable mammary implants.
Observation:
- A case of tissue expander colonization by Candida albicans is described.
- The infected expander fluid exhibited a turbid brown discoloration.
Findings:
- Biochemical and microbiological analyses investigated potential inoculation routes and fungal survival within the expander.
- Candida albicans was identified as the causative agent of the contamination.
Implications:
- Opportunistic fungal colonization of silicone implants may be more prevalent than currently reported.
- Emphasizes the need for enhanced precautions to prevent such complications during medical procedures.