Intraoperative tissue expansion with the Foley catheter.

BACKGROUND

As surgeons face larger and more complex surgical defects, there is the continual search for more practical, successful, and cosmetically elegant methods for repair. Intraoperative tissue expansion is a relatively new technique built upon the fundamentals of traditional chronic tissue expansion. The Foley catheter is an inexpensive, readily available device that can be used for intraoperative tissue expansion.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to explain and demonstrate some of the uses for intraoperative tissue expansion with the Foley catheter.

METHODS

A series of cycles of inflation and deflation of the Foley catheter balloon allows for gradual stretching of the skin over a period of 15 to 20 minutes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The "tissue gain" achieved via this technique often facilitates wound repair. The Foley catheter is a useful device and a significant addition to the dermatologic surgeon's armamentarium.