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Late capsular hematoma after breast reconstruction with polyurethane-covered implants
B H Wang1, B W Chang, R Sargeant
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 14, 1998
Summary
Late hematomas can occur after breast reconstruction using polyurethane-covered implants. This complication may stem from the inflammatory response to the implant
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Breast reconstruction commonly utilizes various implant types.
- Polyurethane-covered implants are known for eliciting a robust inflammatory response.
- Late complications following breast augmentation require thorough investigation.
Observation:
- Two patients developed late hematomas after breast reconstruction.
- The hematomas appeared significantly after the initial surgery.
- Polyurethane-covered implants were used in both cases.
Findings:
- A strong, vascular inflammatory reaction is suspected as the cause of the late hematomas.
- This inflammatory response is a known characteristic of polyurethane implant coatings.
- Late hematoma formation is an underreported complication of these implants.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for late hematomas with polyurethane-covered breast implants.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate this specific complication.
- Patient counseling should include information on this potential, albeit rare, late adverse event.