Ann Plast Reconstr Surg | Volume 8, Issue 2 | Research Article | Open Access

Antimicrobial Irrigation Difference in Implant-Based Reconstruction: Triple-Antibiotic Solution versus Chlorhexidine-Gluconate Based Solution

Lin RP¹, Junn A¹, Snee IA¹, Rohrich RN¹, Ferdousian S², Chaama D², De La Cruz L³, Jabbour SF¹ and Fan KL^1*

¹Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA ²Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington DC, USA ³Department of Breast Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA

^*Correspondance to: Kenneth L. Fan 

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial irrigation solutions are a widely practiced method to reduce infection and capsular contracture following mastectomy in implant-based breast reconstruction. This study compares the postoperative outcomes between a Triple Antibiotic Solution (TAS) and a 0.05% Chlorhexidine gluconate solution (CHG). Methods: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted, reviewing 304 breast reconstructions in 171 patients between April 2020 and July 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of TAS or CHG for implant irrigation. Postoperative complications, including hematoma, capsular contracture, infection, and the need for secondary procedures, were assessed at ≤30 and ≥60 days. Comparative statistical analysis was performed using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Chi-squared tests, and multivariate regression. Results: Of the 304 breast reconstructions, TAS was used in 249 breasts and CHG in 55 breasts. There were no statistically significant differences between the TAS and CHG groups in <30-day complications such as seroma [1 (0.4%) vs. 0 (0%), p=0.82], surgical site infection [2 (0.8%) vs. 0 (0%), p=0.67], or unplanned return to the operating room [16 (6.4%) vs. 2 (3.6%), p=0.34]. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between TAS and CHG groups in ≥60-day outcomes, including capsular contracture [5 (2%) vs. 2 (3.6%), p=0.37].

Citation:

Lin RP, Junn A, Snee IA, Rohrich RN, Ferdousian S, Chaama D, et al. Antimicrobial Irrigation Difference in Implant-Based Reconstruction: Triple-Antibiotic Solution versus Chlorhexidine-Gluconate Based Solution. Ann Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024; 8(2): 1120..