Seriously?! E. coli after breast lift and implants? Not sure what to expect anymore.

Question

Had a BA and BL, two weeks post op, went back in for hematoma drain. No antibiotics given. 1 week after that, had drainage, admitted to hospital for IV (vanco). Culture taken and results came back with E. coli?! Have always had stitches and bandages, could this have happened during surgery? Have switched antibiotics to treat E. coli. Concerned about implant infection. Redness is gone and I feel better, just concerned and not sure what to look for and how this happened!

Gregory Mesna, MD, FACS · Answer

This does sound like an unusual situation but the environment created by a hematoma could be ripe for almost any infection and it would be difficult to guess what the source for the positive culture might have been. Combining a breast lift with an augmentation places additional stress on your skin and circulation which compromises your body's defenses to fight infection.  It could have been something as simple as a shower which normally would not pose any risk when the skin and circulation are intact. Time will tell if there is any involvement of the implant so watch for the regular signs of infection (increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling) and stay in close contact with your surgeon for ongoing support.

Ronald A. Lohner, MD · Answer

Unusual ?  YES.  Certainly something that can occur however.  Ecoli is usually found in the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tracts.  That being said, it can cause infections through the skin or the blood stream. Having a positive culture with targeted antibiotics is the appropriate course of treatment, as long as things are improving.  Only time will tell as to whether or not the implants came in contact with the infectious process.  Stay in close contact with your surgeon.  Best of Luck

Seriously?! E. coli after breast lift and implants? Not sure what to expect anymore.

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