A study in the July 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases finds that although an uncommon effect of saline-filled breast implants, fungal contamination is easily preventable. The key, according to the study, is to use closed systems for filling the devices and to closely follow the strict moisture control and operating room ventilation standards enforced at major hospitals.
The investigators of the breast implant study coworkers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied an outbreak in 2000 to 2001 involving five women whose breast implants were found to contain black sediment during revision surgery for the breast augmentation. Identified as Curvularia, a fungus commonly found in soil, all women had been treated at an ambulatory surgical facility in 2000.
After an extensive investigation to identify factors contributing to the breast implant effect, the colleagues found that sterile saline used to fill the implants was stored directly under a portion of ceiling sheetrock that had been water damaged a few years before and was still moist. The Curvularia was isolated from an air sample taken from the supply room, and the investigators also discovered that air was flowing into the operating room associated with the contamination instead of out of the room as infection control guidelines stipulate.
In conclusion, the investigators recommended ambulatory or outpatient surgical centers follow hospital recommendations for regular maintenance of HVAC systems and balancing of airflow in operating rooms, follow infection control guidelines and include infection control staff in all stages of planning, construction or renovation of healthcare facilities and HVAC systems. Regardless of the rarity of fungal contamination in regard to breast implant surgery the study's results are especially pertinent when considering 265,832 women underwent cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery in the United States during the year 2000 alone.
If you are considering undergoing a breast augmentation, as with any surgical procedure, the patient should carefully consider the surgeon's qualifications, including the surgical site and access to emergency care. Please contact us for more information on breast augmentation and to consult with a reputable and experienced plastic surgeon.