title: Tissue expansion in pediatric burn reconstruction.
abstract: Tissue expansion has gained increased acceptance in postburn reconstruction. In this study, the clinical outcomes for 17 pediatric patients with burns are outlined. A total of 46 tissue expanders were inserted for the reconstruction of postburn scalp alopecia and burn scars. The average size of the soft-tissue defect was 124 cm2, and the mean time to follow-up was 19 months. Overall outcome in most cases was excellent; however, complications were common (37%) and included infection, exposure, port loss, and partial flap necrosis. Five patients in the scalp reconstruction group required transfusions (45%). Tissue expansion in pediatric burn reconstruction is a useful technique, which may yield superb results; however, careful surgical planning is essential to avoid complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: De Agustin
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zuker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D000075202:Contraindications; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000009:adverse effects