Tissue expansion in limbs vs other body regions.

INTRODUCTION

The development of tissue expansion technique as an important routine procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the past two decades reflects the tendency of getting quality skin that would replace the defect. The aim of this study was to present our experience in the application of tissue expanders in the limbs, and to compare the complications of this procedure in limb and non-limb sites.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 16 expanders in 14 patients. Indications for tissue expansion were post burn scarring and contractures, post mastectomy reconstruction and before excision of giant nevus. The expanders were placed in the following sites: scalp, breast, abdomen, leg and arm.

RESULTS

Despite the fact that there were complications in 3 out of the 16 expanders used, failure occurred in 1 expander, which was removed. The remaining complications were managed either by immediate delivery whenever expansion approached full size or by salvage of the expander by exteriorizing the buried part in cases of infection.