Summary
Infections occur in approximately 2–5% percent of women undergoing breast reconstruction
by tissue expansion depending on patient characteristics and timing of reconstruction.
Bacteria, specifically Staphylococci, are the most common pathogens. Treatment varies depending on the surgeon and the
aggressiveness of the infection. We report a case of unilateral tissue expander infection
with Candida parapsilosis in an otherwise healthy female undergoing immediate tissue expander placement after
bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies. The patient was treated with a one-stage irrigation,
debridement, and tissue expander exchange as well as a 21-day course of oral antifungal
therapy. Her infection resolved and she was able to complete her implant-based reconstruction.
C. parapsilosis is usually responsible for infections in critically ill patients found in association
with central lines, peritoneal dialysis catheters and prosthetic heart valves. The
affinity of C. parapsilosis for foreign material makes it a causative agent worth considering in difficult to
treat tissue expander infections.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 28, 2012
Accepted:
April 30,
2012
Received:
June 30,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
