Endoscopic Detection of Failed Breast Implants: Clinical and Practical Aspects

Abstract

Diagnostic gel breast implant endoscopy was not the intent when one of us (R.V.D.) started working on endoscopy for breast implants in 1987. Rather, the purpose was to perform endoscopic capsulotomy for contracture and it remained the goal when teaming up with Dr. Anain in 1991. Subsequently, we perfected the technique for rapidly and safely creating an opening into capsules without risking damage to the implants. It was about that time that the FDA began criticizing implants on the grounds that breast implant failure was difficult to detect. We realized that we already had the perfect technique for this purpose, and proceeded to develop breast implant endoscopy,¹ which was presented at the British Virgin Islands Plastic Surgery Workshop on January 20,1992. Since that time, the procedure has been adopted by a number of plastic surgeons, who have added their own variations. One of these, the insertion of the endoscope into the gel, was developed by Dr. A. Colon, and is presented in Chapter 19.