[Tissue expansion for reconstruction of skin defects].
BACKGROUND
Skin defects can reduce functions and can be aesthetically unpleasant. Tissue expansion for reconstruction of skin defects was introduced as a method in the plastic and maxillofacial surgery department, Ullevaal University Hospital, in autumn 2002.


METHODS
Patient health records and registration forms for expansion procedures were studied for all the 16 patients (12 adults and 4 children) treated at the department in the period 2002 - 05.


RESULTS
Patients were strictly selected for indication, availability of skin with adequate quality and possibility of cooperation during treatment. Indications were trauma, tumour or sequelae after necrotising fascititis, abscess, burns and trauma. The treated defects were located in lower extremities (seven patients), in the scalp (six patients) and for one patient in each of the following sites: forehead, upper extremity and in the face and abdomen. In the lower extremity, the average defect surface was 147 cm 2 , the average filled volume per expander was 536 cm 2 and the average expansion time per expander 106 mL. In the scalp the corresponding values were 39 cm 2 , 169 mL and 69 days. The success rate, defined as achieved cosmetic result, was very satisfactory. Complications such as infection, seroma and partial flap necrosis occurred in nine patients, but did not affect the final results.


CONCLUSIONS
With careful selection of patients, good planning and performance of the procedure, postoperative follow-up and cooperation with patients, tissue expansion is a useful method for reconstruction of skin defects.
Kalaaji
Amin
A
Plastikk- og kjevekirurgisk avdeling Ullevål universitetssykehus 0407 Oslo. ami.kal@online.no
Bruheim
Margareth
M
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome