Related Experiment Videos
Fungal growth within a silicone tissue expander: case report
M S Coady1, J Gaylor, S L Knight
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Fungal contamination of tissue expanders, specifically Aspergillus niger, can cause mechanical obstruction. This study investigates inoculation routes and silicone envelope permeability to prevent such complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Fungal contamination of medical devices is a concern.
- While fungi have been found with breast prostheses, this is the first report in tissue expanders.
Observation:
- A case of Aspergillus niger colonizing a tissue expander is presented.
- This fungal growth led to mechanical obstruction of the device.
Findings:
- The study explored potential inoculation pathways for the fungus.
- Investigated the survival mechanisms of Aspergillus niger within the expander.
- Analyzed the gas permeability of the silicone expander envelope.
Implications:
- Highlights a novel complication associated with tissue expanders.
- Provides insights into fungal behavior within biomaterial devices.
- Offers recommendations for preventing fungal contamination in tissue expanders.