Treatment of a chronically infected nasal silicone prosthesis with continuous antibiotic irrigation and gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads

Infected nasal alloplasts in revision rhinoplasty can be a complex problem, as timing between implant removal and reconstruction is the major limiting factor. Delaying reconstruction can result in loss of mechanical support, a constricted nose, and in severe cases, complete nasal airway collapse and respiratory compromise. In this case report, we describe a novel surgical approach for the management of a chronically infected nasal implant combining techniques used to treat biomaterial-associated infections: antibiotic-impregnated polymethymethacrylate beads and a continuous catheter-based antibiotic irrigation system. We report a case of a chronic alloplastic-associated infection following nasal reconstruction using a silicone implant. We utilized a two-staged approach. The involved nasal implant was removed and replaced temporarily with gentamicin-impregnated polymethymethacrylate beads and a continuous closed irrigation and drainage system with local and parenteral delivery of antibiotics. Both modalities allowed for complete eradication of the infection. In addition, the gentamicin beads provided sufficient mechanical support in order to minimize the risk of skin contracture. Twelve days after her initial surgery, nasal reconstruction was performed using a cadaver bone graft. The patient was followed for two years postoperatively and has shown good results with no evidence of skin contracture or recurrent infection. This technique may allow for shorter delay in revision surgery and reduce the risk of long-term complications without compromising functional and aesthetic outcomes.