Immediate reconstruction with autologous cartilage after removal of infected alloplast in revision rhinoplasty.

Abstract

To assess the feasibility of immediate reconstruction with autologous cartilage after removal of infected alloplast in revision rhinoplasty. Case series with chart review. Academic university hospital. Patients who met the following inclusion criteria were the subjects of the present study: (1) revision rhinoplasty, (2) alloplastic implant-related infection, (3) immediate reconstruction with autologous cartilage at the time of implant removal, and (4) follow-up of more than 12 months. Data analysis included number of previous operations; type of alloplastic implant used; culture results; reconstruction method; complications, including reinfection and graft resorption; and aesthetic results. The 21 patients who met the inclusion criteria included 8 women and 13 men with a mean age of 37 years. Associated alloplast included silicone (10 cases), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (9 cases), and Medpor (2 cases). With a mean follow-up of 35 months, infection occurred in 1 patient that subsided with antibiotics. No major clinical absorption was encountered. Revision was performed in 1 patient with costal cartilage warping. No revision was required for infection or graft absorption. Immediate reconstruction using autologous cartilage in revision rhinoplasty needing removal of an infected alloplast has shown a favorable outcome with minimal complications.