Continuous expansion for the treatment of skin deformities.

Continuous expansion using an infusion pump was studied in seven patients. Tissue expanders were attached to outpatients under general anesthesia. After a period of 7 days, the skin expansion was initiated with the patient hospitalized. Saline solution (0.9%, 1-3 ml/h) was infused via a gauge needle connected to the expander valve and to the infusion pump. The expansion speed was determined by clinical parameters, such as pain and the expanded tissue viability, until the desired volume was achieved. The total time required for this procedure was 13-18 days. Based on continuous skin expansion, we attempted to test an alternative shorter procedure. This method was well accepted by doctors and patients, and no complications occurred. Although fibrosis was observed, it was not as pronounced as in the outpatients undergoing the conventional expansion treatment. A principal advantage of the continuous expansion method is the increased safety resulting from more effective clinical control and adequate systemic antibiotic therapy. Coupled with on important reduction the expansion time and allowing a faster return of the patients to their activities.