Complications and Treatments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection After Rhinoplasty With Implants: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, and because of its specificity, its treatments appear tricky in postrhinoplasty infections with internal implants. This study summarizes the clinical characteristics and treatment of this type of infections to provide some reference for clinical work. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who were diagnosed with a nasal infection of P. aeruginosa after implant nasal augmentation. The results of the bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test of the patients’ wound secretions were summarized and analyzed. We summarized the characteristics of the patients’ infection and the treatments, and we also summarized the patients’ prognosis. Results: In these 10 cases, their implants included rib cartilage and ear cartilage alone, as well as their own cartilage combined with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone. All patients developed wound infections within 1 month after rhinoplasty, with bacterial cultures of P. aeruginosa. Prolonged use of sensitive antibiotics, as well as wound dressing changes, failed to keep the infection well under control. Patients whose implant was removed and thoroughly debrided within 1 week of infection did not experience any serious complications. In patients who were infected for >1 week before surgery to remove the implants, complications such as nasal column necrosis and nasal contracture occurred, and later the nasal repair was performed after multiple surgeries. Conclusions: For bacterial infections in postrhinoplasty wounds with implants, we recommend early bacterial culture. If the infection is clearly P. aeruginosa, the implant should be removed and thoroughly debrided as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Evaluating the therapeutic and reconstructive efficacy of flap transplantation techniques in managing nasal tissue deficiency resulting from post‐rhinoplasty surgical infections

“…The repercussions of post‐rhinoplasty infections extend beyond physiological impairments. Such complications often necessitate further surgical interventions or protracted pharmacological regimens, thereby imposing a considerable financial burden on patients 22 . Moreover, psychological dimensions cannot be ignored; individuals suffering from these complications often face elevated levels of anxiety concerning their body image and self‐esteem, especially when the end results of their rhinoplasty procedures are compromised 23,24 .…”

“…Such complications often necessitate further surgical interventions or protracted pharmacological regimens, thereby imposing a considerable financial burden on patients. 22 Moreover, psychological dimensions cannot be ignored; individuals suffering from these complications often face elevated levels of anxiety concerning their body image and self‐esteem, especially when the end results of their rhinoplasty procedures are compromised. 23 , 24 In this context, our study sought to elucidate the efficacy of varying treatment approaches for managing these postoperative challenges.…”