Reducing Postbreast Reconstruction Infection Rates: Our Journey to Achieving Low Postoperative Infection Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Control
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Breast surgeries, though clean procedures, face high rates of post-operative infections.
• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common and serious complications following breast surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of an infection control protocol in reducing SSIs after breast reconstructive surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of the Protocol of Breast Reconstruction Surgery (PBRS) on infection rates.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed SSI rates in breast reconstruction patients from December 2022 to June 2024.
• Identified Pseudomonas contamination and airflow issues as initial sources of high infection rates (23-25%).
• Implemented corrective actions including improved air filtration and reinforced adherence to the PBRS.

Main Results:

• Following protocol implementation and corrective actions, SSI rates dropped significantly to 2.08%.
• Complications observed in 31 patients (48 procedures) included delayed infection, drain exit site infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, and seroma.
• The achieved infection rate is substantially lower than current guidelines and published literature (up to 25%).

Conclusions:

• SSIs remain a significant concern in implant-based breast reconstruction.
• Strict adherence to a standardized Protocol of Breast Reconstruction Surgery (PBRS) is strongly recommended.
• Standardized protocols are key to reducing complications and enhancing patient outcomes in breast reconstruction.