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CC BY 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2024; 51(03): 317-320
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776696
Extremity/Lymphedema
Case Report

Aeromonas hydrophila Infection following Leech Therapy for the Treatment of Nipple–Areola Complex Congestion after Breast Reduction: A Case Report

Matteo Torresetti 
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School, Ancona, Italy
,
Benedetta Peltristo 
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School, Ancona, Italy
,
Francesco Mauro Junior Taddei 
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School, Ancona, Italy
,
Giovanni Di Benedetto 
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marche Polytechnic University Medical School, Ancona, Italy
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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.

Keywords

leech - infection - nipple–areola complex - venous congestion - reduction mammaplasty

Authors' Contributions

Conceptualization: M.T., B.P., G.D.B.

Data curation: M.T., B.P., F.M.J.

Formal analysis: M.T., B.P., F.M.J., G.D.B.

Writing - original draft: M.T., B.P.

Writing - review and editing: M.T., B.P., G.D.B.


Ethical Approval

The study was performed in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient.


Patient Consent

The patient provided written informed consent for the use of pictures for academic and study purposes.




Publication History

Received: 06 June 2023

Accepted: 01 September 2023

Article published online:
04 April 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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