Breast augmentation is the most frequent type of plastic surgery done in the United Kingdon and -- after nose reshaping and liposuction -- it is the third most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. However, infection complicates 2 percent to 2.5 percent of breast implantations, and is the leading cause of illness following such surgery. The comprehensive review in The LancetInfectious Diseases of infection of breast implants is particularly timely in light of the recent call for tighter regulation of the private cosmetic surgery industry in the United Kingdon
Professor Brigitte Pittet, of the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland, and colleagues provide a fascinating journey through the history of breast implants and review the myriad risk factors for breast implant infections, before discussing clinical features such as toxic shock syndrome and late infection occurring months -- or even years -- after implantation. Diagnostic and management strategies are proposed for such problems.
In addition, they discuss the idea that capsular contraction -- the leading long-term complication that follows breast implantation, involving the formation and contraction of a collagenous sheath around the implant, thus forming hard, spherical masses in the breasts -- may be caused by subclinical infection, and could be prevented by antibiotics.
Pittet comments, Patients should be aware that, similar to other invasive procedures involving the implantation of foreign material, breast implants may lead to potential complications such as infection or capsular contracture. In good hands, however, infection remains infrequent.
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
Weekly Rounds: Four Years of COVID-19, AORN 2024 Conference Coverage, and More
March 18th 2024Here are 5 highlights from Infection Control Today®'s (ICT®’s) wide-ranging coverage of the infection prevention and control world. Everything from interviews with known opinion leaders to the news that infection preventionists and other health care professionals can use on their jobs.
Empowering Safety: A Massachusetts General Hospital Team Is Pushing for Smoke-Free ORs
March 13th 2024At the AORN’s International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024, a team from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) showcased their transformative project, "Becoming Smoke-Free in the OR." This initiative underscored the critical need for smoke evacuation in surgical settings.
Hand Hygiene Practices in the Operating Room: A Collaborative Endeavor
March 13th 2024As explained on a poster at AORN 2024, perioperative nurses and infection preventionists unite in a proactive campaign to elevate hand hygiene within the operating room, resulting in improved adherence, decreased infections, and fortified patient outcomes.