Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Aeromonas hydrophila Infection following Leech Therapy for the Treatment of Nipple-Areola Complex Congestion after Breast Reduction: A Case Report

  • Matteo Torresetti (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School) ;
  • Benedetta Peltristo (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School) ;
  • Francesco Mauro Junior Taddei (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School) ;
  • Giovanni Di Benedetto (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School)
  • Received : 2023.06.06
  • Accepted : 2023.09.01
  • Published : 2024.05.15
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Abstract

Several strategies for the management of venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammaplasty have been proposed. Among these, hirudotherapy represents an ancient but still effective method, even though the risk of infections related to leeches should be considered. We report a peculiar case of breast infection and sepsis after leech therapy in a patient who underwent a reduction mammaplasty. A prompt surgical debridement of the wounds and necrotic tissues associated with targeted antibiotic therapy led to a fast improvement of clinical conditions, and partial preservation of the NAC was obtained. Accurate knowledge of the clinical presentation of soft tissue infections related to leeching allows for an early diagnosis and would serve as a warning for surgeons who approach such breast cosmetic procedures.

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References

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