title: Fungal growth within a silicone tissue expander: case report.
abstract: Fungal contamination of tissue expanders has not previously been reported. There are, however, reports of fungi in association with inflatable breast prostheses. Colonisation of a tissue expander with Aspergillus niger resulting in mechanical obstruction of the device is described. The possible modes of inoculation and survival of the organism within the expander envelope were studied including an investigation of the permeability to gases of the silicone expander envelope. Recommendations are made about prevention of this complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Coady
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gaylor
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000254:growth & development*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen; D010539:Permeability; D012828:Silicones; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen