Surgical Site Infection after Breast Surgery: Retrospective Analysis of 5-year Postoperative Data from a Single Center in Poland

Abstract

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant complication of non-reconstructive and reconstructive breast. This study aimed to assess SSI after breast surgery over 5 years in a single center in Poland. The microorganisms responsible for SSI and their antibiotic susceptibility were determined. Materials/methods: Data of 2129 patients acquired over 5 years postoperatively by the [center] were analyzed. Results: SSI was diagnosed in 132 patients (6.2%) and was an early infection in most cases (65.2%). The incidence of SSI was highest in patients who underwent subcutaneous amputation with simultaneous reconstruction using an artificial prosthesis (14.6%) and breast reconstruction via the TRAM flap method (14.3%). Gram-positive bacteria were responsible for SSI in most cases (72.1%), and these were mainly Staphylococcus strains (53.6%). These strains were 100% susceptible to all beta-lactam antibiotics (except penicillin), but were less susceptible to macrolides and lincosamides. Conclusions: SSI is a serious problem, and attention should be focused on its prevention. Reconstruction using an artificial prosthesis or via the TRAM flap method is connected to increased SSI incidence. Further studies are required to prevent SSI following breast surgery.

Adipose‐derived stromal cells for nonhealing wounds: Emerging opportunities and challenges

“…In oncological patients, skin manifestations, wound healing complications and tissue loss may either be caused by the tumor itself or result from the method of treatment used (Figure 3). A common problem is also infections at the surgery site, for example, after breast surgery, which can also delay healing 71 …”

Adverse effects in the management of breast cancer – recent studies

“…Nerve damage can be a reason for postoperative pain, motor defects and paresthesia. According to recent studies, surgical site infections were noted in 1.4% to 6.2% patients after breast surgery [23]. Wound infection and necrosis of mastectomy flaps can affect negatively wound healing [24].…”

Plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures should be incorporated into the surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance programme across Scotland

“…The health impact and decreased quality of life from the complications of SSI after breast reconstruction, skin graft, amputation and lymphadenectomy have been emphasised in recent literature ( Olsen et al, 2017 ; Onyekwelu et al, 2017 ; Palubicka et al, 2019 ). Surgical reconstructive procedures with autograft or breast implants after mastectomy is aimed at enhancing body image.…”

“…The incidence of SSI after amputation and reconstruction using artificial prosthesis has also been reported to be greater than 14% ( Onyekwelu et al, 2017 ). Notwithstanding that Gram-positive S. aureus accounts for more than 60% of isolated microorganisms, the introduction of foreign material further increases the likelihood of infection ( Palubicka et al, 2019 ; Russell et al, 2020 ). So while wound drainage is often required for deep tissue procedures, prolonged drainage is a major predisposing factor for infection in surgical patients.…”