Devil's Advocate: Evidence-Based Recommendation for “One Breast–One Insertion Funnel” Policy

Abstract

Abstract Background Rates of capsular contracture have reduced significantly since the use of insertion funnels to place breast implants became routine. However, due to financial constraints, the same funnel is usually used for implantation of both sides. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether the risk of capsular contracture is higher for the second breast when the same insertion funnel is used for both breasts. Methods The authors collected a sample of the insertion funnel tip immediately after removing the funnel from its sterile packaging and another tip sample after the funnel had been used to insert the first implant. These samples were sent for microbiological culture evaluations. Capsular contracture rates in the first implanted breast vs the second implanted breast were then retrospectively analyzed. Results All samples taken from the funnel before the first implantation showed no bacterial growth. All 10 samples taken from the funnel after the first implantation showed organism growth (8 were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis and 2 for Cutibacterium acnes). Retrospective analysis of the results revealed that the overall capsular contracture rate had reduced after the authors began to use insertion funnels. However, this complication was still more common on the second implanted breast. Conclusions Surgeons should consider the use of separate insertion funnels for each breast. This might help to slightly reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. See the abstract translated into Hindi, Portuguese, Korean, German, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) online here: https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad288. Level of Evidence: 4