Thursday, March 23, 2006
9828

An in Vitro Comparison of Concentrated Bacitracin Foam for Bacterial Control in the Breast Implant Pocket

Adam Newman, MD and Victor Manuel Perez, MD.

Breast implant pocket irrigation has been suggested to control the bacteria that can lead to subclinical infections and capsular contractures. The purpose of this study is to compare other commonly used irrigation protocols in vitro against a proven bacterial control method of Betadine with Cefazolin and Gentamycin. Bacitracin foamed into 10ml saline; diluted Bacitracin solution; Betadine with Cefazolin and Gentamycin; and saline alone were compared for in vitro efficacy against the common implant pathogens: S. epidermidis, S. aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas. Efficacy was determined by irrigating the colonized agar plates. Saline alone and dilute Bacitracin did not provide adequate bacterial control. Bacitracin foam was equally effective as the proven method. However, Bacitracin foam placed after saline irrigation remains in the implant pocket and provides longer antibacterial control, has the benefits of decreased detrimental effect on wound healing and less harmful effect on the implant as compared to Betadine, and remains a simpler cheaper method for bacterial control as opposed to other antimicrobial mixtures.