Related Experiment Videos
Mammaplasty-associated mycobacterial infection: a survey of plastic surgeons
Abstract:
In a 3 1/2-year period, periprosthetic infections due to Mycobacterium fortuitum complex organisms complicated augmentation mammaplasty in at least 17 women. To determine the magnitude of the problem and to identify possible risk factors for infection, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 2062 members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons who had performed approximately 64,00 augmentation mammaplasties in 1978. Information about selected aspects of the procedures and practices in use with augmentation mammaplasty and about patients for whom augmentation mammaplasty had been performed was supplied by 67 percent of those surveyed. The estimated attack rate of wound infection after augmentation mammaplasty caused by all organisms was 0.64 percent. Only 5 cases of mycobacterial wound infection were documented after 39,455 augmentation procedures in 1978. Periprosthetic infection due to Mycobacterium fortuitum complex organisms appears, for the most part, to be a sporadic event that may occur after simple augmentation mammaplasty, subcutaneous mastectomy with augmentation, or reduction mammaplasty.
Insights
Periprosthetic infections from Mycobacterium fortuitum complex are rare after augmentation mammaplasty. While 17 cases were noted over 3.5 years, the overall infection rate remains low, suggesting a sporadic occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Periprosthetic infections, particularly those caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, can complicate augmentation mammaplasty procedures.
- Understanding the incidence and risk factors for these specific infections is crucial for patient safety and surgical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the magnitude of periprosthetic infections caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum complex following augmentation mammaplasty.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with these rare but serious infections.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 2062 members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
- Data were collected on augmentation mammaplasty procedures performed in 1978 and associated patient outcomes.
- Analysis included estimated attack rates for wound infections and specific documentation of mycobacterial infections.
Main Results:
- The estimated overall attack rate for wound infection after augmentation mammaplasty was 0.64%.
- Only 5 cases of mycobacterial wound infection were documented among 39,455 augmentation procedures in 1978.
- Periprosthetic infection due to Mycobacterium fortuitum complex appears to be a sporadic event.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterium fortuitum complex infections are a rare complication of augmentation mammaplasty.
- These infections can occur after various mammaplasty procedures, including simple augmentation, subcutaneous mastectomy with augmentation, and reduction mammaplasty.
- The sporadic nature suggests no widespread issue but warrants continued vigilance.