Detection of toluenediamines in the urine of a patient with polyurethane-covered breast implants

Abstract

Breast prostheses are implanted for augmentation or during reconstructive surgery. One of the more commonly used prostheses is the polyurethane-sponge-covered silicone gel implant. Some clinicians are concerned about the safety of this product because the polyurethane foam disintegrates in vivo, and its subsequent fate is not known. Polyurethane is a polymer formed by reacting diisocyanates and polyols. This study indicates that the polymer sponge breaks down into its reactive monomers, 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediisocyanate, which are converted into their corresponding diamines. We present evidence of the excretion of the diamine metabolites in the urine of a patient implanted with polyurethane-covered prostheses.