Biggest breasted woman seriously ill after breast augmentation surgery

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDJul 13 2010

Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Brazilian model Sheyla Hershey, 30 apparently with the largest breasts in the world is seriously ill with complications following her latest breast augmentation surgery. Ms Hershey who lives in Houston, Texas contracted a severe staphylococcal infection after her surgery in June. It has now affected both her breasts. There is a fear that the infection may seep into her blood stream and lead to sepsis that may even kill her.

She was wheeled in for a surgery this Tuesday for removal of her implants and possible part or whole of her own breasts. She has had nearly 30 surgeries before. She has a reported 38KKK breast size that is purported to be a world record.

Sheyla Hershey. Image Credit: http://sheylahershey.net/

Sepsis is a life-threatening illness. The body's response to a bacterial infection usually causes it with the immune system going into overdrive, overwhelming normal processes in the blood.

The result is that small blood clots form, blocking blood flow to vital organs. This can lead to organ failure. Babies, old people and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sepsis. But even healthy people can become deathly ill from it. A quick diagnosis can be crucial, because one third of people who get sepsis die from it.

Sepsis is usually treated in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU). IV antibiotics and fluids may be given to try to knock out the infection and to keep blood pressure from dropping too low. Patients may also need respirators to help them breathe.