Rapid tissue expansion for repairs of skin and soft tissue defects after injury

Abstract

Objective To develop a technique of aesthetic repair procedures for the skin and soft tissue defect after injury.Methods Nineteen cases of patients with skin and soft tissue defects after injury were chosen in this study,in which there were 19 wounds involved.Thirty-seven expanders were inserted into the subcutaneous pockets beside the wounds in the right time and were inflated by a fast expansion model (one time every two days). After completion of inflation,the expanded skin flaps were made and transferred to repair the wounds.Results All the 37 expanders were inflated successfully in duration of 46-63 days.Five expansion areas presented complications that were correctly controlled.All of the wounds were covered and healed well after the expanded skin flap transplantation.Twelve patients were followed up for 6 months after operation.The long-term results showed that the color and texture of the flaps matched the recipient sites well without swelling.The aesthetic appearance of the repaired sites looked satisfactory.Conclusions The rapid tissue expansion is a better option for repairs of some skin and soft tissue defects after injury in certain areas. Key words: Tissue expansion; Injury; Tissue defect; Skin flap