title: [Tissue expansion in head and neck regions].
abstract: The Authors describe their experience with the use of 56 tissue expanders implanted in the head and neck regions of 45 patients observed in a follow-up of an average of 25 months. They emphasize the various possibilities of reconstructive surgery with the use of tissue expanders and the different mental approach required in order to organize surgical when this technique is employed. The criteria used in the selection of the type of tissue expanders is outlined and useful advice concerning the formulation of a surgical plan which employs the most favourable approach in making to avoid poor functional or aesthetic results or secondary complications is presented. Furthermore the surgical technique used to obtain adequate pockets for the insertion of tissue expanders in the different anatomical areas of the head and neck is described. The Authors affiem that in order to avoid damage to the surrounding neurovascular structures and to obtain good tissue expansion, the correct level of dissection is imperative. The options of using different anatomical areas during reconstructive surgery are discussed. For example, the insertion of a tissue expander in the forehead permits the availability of a large amount of usable tissue during nasal reconstruction, thus leaving the donor area without tension and with minimal scarring. Many different causes of baldness can be treated with the use of tissue expanders, such as posttraumatic injury, burns or infections. Tissue expansion can be utilized in the cheek area for the reconstruction of the lower eyelids, the paranasal and the mandibular area. Tissue expanders used in the cervical area can be utilized for reconstructive surgery of the lower lip or the mandibular area. In addition, the Authors discuss possible complications of this technique such as infection, suture distension and tissue expander extrusion. Recommendations are discussed in order to prevent these major complications. Having reviewed their personal experience the Authors feel they can confirm the reliability of this revolutionary technique in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The use of tissue expanders permits the surgeon to obtain improved functional and aesthetic results which only a few years ago were not conceivable.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Chirurgia Plastica S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Morselli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marconi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pistorale
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cavina
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices
vernacular_title: L'espansione tissutale nell'estremo cefalico.