BACKGROUND: Successful inflation of a tissue expander (TE) and coverage of the face with tissue of similar colour and texture is usually limited by the amount of skin generated during the reconstruction process. Overexpanding the TE device generates an increased flap size and an overall better reconstructive outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 86 TEs were inserted into 48 burn patients with head and neck burn scars. In each case, a TE was inserted with subsequent overexpansion to 2-4 times the manufacturer's stated maximum volume. RESULTS: Using the above technique, we gained more transferable skin, which was then used to cover the defects. The rates of major and minor complications were the same as those obtained in previous studies. Illustrations of several representative cases are also included. CONCLUSIONS: Overinflation of smaller TEs minimises complication rates typically associated with this procedure. Cutaneous overexpansion can usually achieve the desired flap dimensions by overinflation of the implant well beyond the manufacturer's stated maximum volume, thus ensuring its success and allowing for better coverage of the defects. (c) 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: Successful inflation of a tissue expander (TE) and coverage of the face with tissue of similar colour and texture is usually limited by the amount of skin generated during the reconstruction process. Overexpanding the TE device generates an increased flap size and an overall better reconstructive outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 86 TEs were inserted into 48 burn patients with head and neck burn scars. In each case, a TE was inserted with subsequent overexpansion to 2-4 times the manufacturer's stated maximum volume. RESULTS: Using the above technique, we gained more transferable skin, which was then used to cover the defects. The rates of major and minor complications were the same as those obtained in previous studies. Illustrations of several representative cases are also included. CONCLUSIONS: Overinflation of smaller TEs minimises complication rates typically associated with this procedure. Cutaneous overexpansion can usually achieve the desired flap dimensions by overinflation of the implant well beyond the manufacturer's stated maximum volume, thus ensuring its success and allowing for better coverage of the defects. (c) 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors: Farhat Ul Ann Tayyaba; Mohammad Mughees Amin; Sohail Attaur-Rasool; Uzma Naseer; Akashah Ambar Journal: Pak J Med Sci Date: 2015 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.088
Authors: Muhammad Abdur Razzak; Md Sanower Hossain; Zamri Bin Radzi; Noor Azlin B Yahya; Jan Czernuszka; Mohammad T Rahman Journal: Front Physiol Date: 2016-11-15 Impact factor: 4.566