Intraoperative Tissue Expansion Research Articles

Intraoperative Tissue Expansion for Scalp Reconstruction

Intraoperative Tissue Expansion for Scalp Reconstruction

Air versus Saline in Initial Prepectoral Tissue Expansion: A Comparison of Complications and Perioperative Patient-Reported Outcomes.

One option to optimize prepectoral tissue expander fill volume while minimizing stress on mastectomy skin flaps is to use air as an initial fill medium, with subsequent exchange to saline during postoperative expansion. The authors compared complications and early patient-reported outcomes (PROs) based on fill type in prepectoral breast reconstruction patients. Prepectoral breast reconstruction patients who underwent intraoperative tissue expansion with air or saline from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed to assess fill-type utilization. The primary endpoint was expander loss; secondary endpoints included seroma, hematoma, infection/cellulitis, full-thickness mastectomy skin flap necrosis requiring revision, expander exposure, and capsular contracture. PROs were assessed with the BREAST-Q Physical Well-Being of the Chest scale 2 weeks postoperatively. Propensity-matching was performed as a secondary analysis. Of 560 patients (928 expanders) included in the analysis, 372 had devices initially filled with air (623 expanders), and 188 with saline (305 expanders). No differences were observed for overall rates of expander loss (4.7% versus 3.0%, P = 0.290) or overall complications (22.5% versus 17.7%, P = 0.103). No difference in BREAST-Q scores was observed ( P = 0.142). Utilization of air-filled expanders decreased substantially over the last study year. After propensity matching, no differences in loss, other complications, or PROs were observed across cohorts. Tissue expanders initially filled with air seem to have no significant advantage over saline-filled expanders in maintaining mastectomy skin flap viability or PROs, including after propensity matching. These findings can help guide choice of initial tissue expander fill type. Therapeutic, III.

Reconstruction of High-Tension Scalp Defects by the Twizzler Technique: A Retrospective Case Series.

Scalp wounds are difficult to close primarily because of the inelasticity of the galea, often requiring adjacent tissue transfer or grafting. It is still debated whether intraoperative tissue expansion can occur on the scalp. We report our experience with the Twizzler technique, a form of intraoperative tissue expansion and load cycling, to achieve primary closure of high-tension scalp wounds. In this case series, scalp defects repaired by the Twizzler were identified and those with minimum 3 month follow-up underwent assessment by physicians and patients. All 50 scalp defects that could not be otherwise closed primarily were repaired successfully with the Twizzler. The average defect width was 2.0 cm (range 0.9-3.9 cm), the average physician aesthetic rating was 3.71 on a 5-point scale (very good; n = 25), and most patients rated the scars as "near normal skin" on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 ( n = 32). Based on the findings of this case series, the Twizzler can be used to repair small and medium high-tension scalp defects after Mohs micrographic surgery. Intraoperative tissue expansion and creep deformation on the scalp is limited, but seemingly possible.

Air versus Saline: The Effect of Tissue Expander Fill on Outcomes of Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction.

Traditionally, saline is used for intraoperative/postoperative expansion in two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction. Recently, intraoperative expansion with air has been proposed, to reduce pressure on the mastectomy skin flap in the immediate postoperative setting. The authors examined whether the intraoperative tissue expansion medium (i.e., air versus saline) affected postmastectomy complications in two-stage prepectoral reconstruction. This was a retrospective cohort study of 87 patients (144 breasts) undergoing prepectoral breast reconstruction at the authors' institution. Patient data were abstracted from medical records. Stepwise, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression using robust variances was used to identify predictors of postmastectomy complications. Statistical and power analyses were completed. Of the 87 study patients, 29 (33.3 percent) received intraoperative saline fill and 58 (66.7 percent) received air fill. Demographic/clinical data were well-matched between cohorts. Median follow-up was 165 days, and average patient age was 46.7 years. Initial tissue expander fill volumes were similar between study cohorts ( p = 0.2). The crude association between air versus saline fill on overall complication rates suggested that air-filled tissue expanders may be protective (OR = 0.4; p = 0.03), and the suggested protective effect was maintained with borderline significance even after potential confounders (i.e., American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or higher, body mass index, diabetes, mastectomy specimen weight, smoking status) were added to the model (OR = 0.4; p = 0.05). In addition, fewer complications requiring salvage reoperation were observed with air-filled tissue expanders (adjusted OR = 0.3; p = 0.02). The medium used for immediate intraoperative tissue expansion impacted postmastectomy outcomes in patients undergoing two-stage prepectoral breast reconstruction. The results demonstrated that air-filled tissue expanders were associated with fewer postoperative complications/salvage reoperations relative to saline-filled tissue expanders. Therapeutic, III.

Repair of Soft Tissue Defect with Intraoperative Tissue Expansion after Surgical Resection of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report

While it is the most frequently observed subtype of all cutaneous soft tissue sarcomas, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is still uncommon, with a high local recurrence rate. Although surgical resection could be a simple curative procedure, surgeons can encounter difficulties when dissecting or closing the wound, depending on the location and the size of the tumor. We present a case report of direct repair of soft tissue defect with intraoperative tissue expansion after sarcoma resection. A 62-year-old male visited our clinic with an approximately 1.5×1.5 cm-sized mass on his lower leg. We excised the mass, which a pathologic study confirmed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The authors planned a wide excision of the lesion as soon as possible. The excised lesion was not large; however, the soft tissue defect could not be closed by direct approximation. We eventually closed the tumor resection wound using a Foley catheter as a tissue expander. The patient’s wound healed well, albeit leaving a minimal scar. This case suggests that a Foley catheter could be an effective and versatile tool that is readily available in any medical setting, including after a small tumor resection in outpatient surgery.

Intraoperative Tissue Expansion to Allow Primary Linear Closure of 2 Large Adjacent Surgical Defects

It is becoming increasingly more common for dermatology patients to present for treatment of multiple skin cancers during the same appointment. When 2 lesions are close together, the final repair will need to take into consideration the final size of the adjacent defects, any normal tissue remaining between the defects, and the inherent tension of the tissue in those locations. The SUTUREGARD ISR device (Sutureguard Medical Inc) can allow intraoperative tissue expansion to decrease tension on the tissue and may provide the opportunity to allow primary linear closure for both defects as opposed to a much larger flap or graft repair.

Air Versus Saline: The Effect of Tissue Expander Fill Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Postoperative Complications

BACKGROUND: A common practice in breast reconstruction is 2-stage implant reconstruction with initial tissue expander placement. Traditionally, saline is added to the tissue expander intraoperatively, followed by continued expansion with saline postoperatively. Recently, intraoperative expansion with air rather than saline has been proposed to reduce the pressure applied to the mastectomy skin flap and incisions in the immediate postoperative setting. The aim of our study was to determine if tissue expansion fill (air versus saline) affects postoperative complications in the setting of prepectoral delayed immediate reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 144 breasts (86 patients) who underwent immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction with full anterior coverage with ADM over a 2-year period was performed. Patient demographics, intraoperative tissue expander fill medium, and the occurrence of postsurgical complications were analyzed. Crude and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression estimated odds ratios were used to identify predictors of postsurgical complications. To account for the potential clustering of 144 breast interventions from 86 women, regressions used robust variances. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software v9.4. RESULTS: The demographic and clinical data were well matched between study cohorts. The mean follow-up time is 196 days (range, 85–633 days), and the average age is 46.7 years old. Initial tissue expander fill volume was similar (P = 0.2). ASA III+, body mass index, diabetes, and smoking status were added in a step-wise fashion as potential confounding variables in the model. The crude association between air and saline fill on overall complication suggests a protective effect when the tissue expander is filled with air (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; P = 0.04), and the suggested protective effect is maintained as potential confounding variables are added to the model (OR, 0.4; P = 0.05). Fewer complications requiring salvage reoperation were observed when tissue expanders were filled with air (OR, 0.3; P = 0.02). Additionally, there is a suggested protective effect regarding skin flap necrosis if the tissue expander is air-filled (OR, 0.7; P = 0.6). CONCLUSION: The medium used in immediate intraoperative tissue expansion affects postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing delayed immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction. Here, we demonstrate that air-filled tissue expanders were associated with significantly less postoperative complications following breast reconstruction relative to saline-filled tissue expanders.

Intraoperative Tissue Expansion Using a Foley Catheter for a Scalp Defect: Technical Note

Primary closure of the surgical wound during neurosurgical procedures is sometimes difficult because of limited ability to expand the scalp, or because the skin defect is large. Hence, our institution recently adopted the technique of intraoperative tissue expansion using a Foley catheter for these cases. We describe this easily accomplished, readily available, effective, economical technique and describe our experience performing the technique. With this procedure, the subcutaneous tissue (usually the subperiosteal layer) surrounding the skin defect is dissected to make a subcutaneous pocket in which to place a 20-French Foley catheter. The standard expander is a 30-mL balloon. The catheter is inserted into the subcutaneous pocket, and the balloon is inflated with 10-30 mL of saline for 5 minutes, after which the balloon is deflated for 3 minutes in a cyclic loading manner. After sufficient expansion, the primary closure of the surgical wound is achieved with minimal tension on the surrounding skin. Between November 2018 and February 2020, we performed this technique in 5 patients, each with a large surgical defect in the scalp. Primary closure was achieved, and postoperative wound healing was excellent in all 5 patients. Intraoperative skin expansion using a Foley catheter-which is easily performed, readily available, and economical-can be used to achieve surgical wound closure during various neurosurgical procedures.

Primary Breast Augmentation Using Axillary Skin Incision, Submuscular Implants, and Intraoperative Tissue Expansion

Background:Primary breast augmentation in small, pointed, or tubular breasts using axillary skin incision, submuscular cohesive gel implants, and intraoperative tissue expansion dramatically reduces complications.Methods:A 2.5- to 3.5-cm-long incision is made in the hair-bearing part of the axillae beside a natural fold. Incisions are opened using dissection away from the axillae, and an opening is made underneath the muscle on top of the thoracic cage. Blunt finger dissection is performed, and temporary breast expanders and special dissectors are inserted. The expanders create volume and desired breast shape. Sterility is ensured by entering implant pockets only with expanders and elevators and changing gloves before placing implants. No irrigation or antibiotic solution is used on implants or in the pockets. One thousand three hundred ten breast augmentations were performed between 2004 and 2019 (including a 2-year follow-up) using textured, cohesive round implants. Patients were followed up 3–4 months postoperatively. The parameters analyzed were size, shape, firmness, scars, and sensation in the nipple areola complexes. Patients contacted the clinic if problems occurred.Results:Of the 1,310 patients, only 2 had a Baker grade 3–4 capsular contraction. We also found 2 cases of implant rupture at the end of the 10-year guarantee period. Implants were replaced with identical ones. No infections were seen. Six cases of implant malposition were corrected by surgery. The total number of reoperations was 10 (0.8%).Conclusions:The axillary skin incision is an extremely efficient technique with few complications. The lymphatic drainage system is preserved, and implant pockets are left in a virgin state.

Immediate Intraoperative Tissue Expansion in Cranioplasty

Immediate Intraoperative Tissue Expansion in Cranioplasty

Scalp advancement for transgender women: Closing the gap.

Hairline advancement is a powerful procedure to shorten the forehead and eliminate areas of hair loss, especially along the temporal recesses. This study was undertaken to report the typical hairline advancement possible with the senior author's method for scalp advancement at the time of forehead feminization. Retrospective chart review. A review was conducted of 29 consecutive cases that met inclusion criteria from January to March 2018 at an academic medical center. Sex, gender, age, whether galeatomy was performed, and additional variables were recorded. The distance of hairline advancement was measured in the midline and at the left and right midpupillary line. Galeatomies and rapid intraoperative tissue expansion were performed as per standard surgical protocol. For the group of 29 individuals who underwent the specified method for scalp advancement, the average differences for the glabella to the trichion, the right midpupillary line, and the left midpupillary line were 1.90 cm, 2.07 cm, and 2.07 cm, respectively. These differences between the pre- and post-observations were statistically significant at the 0.1% level (P < .001). The overall average difference in scalp advancement was 2.01 cm (also significantly different pre- and post-measurements at the 0.1% level; P < .001). Our technique of hairline advancement provides a significant improvement in the hairline in patients seeking out advancement due to an elongated forehead while undergoing facial feminization. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1431-1435, 2020.

Rapid Intraoperative Tissue Expansion with Latex Glove after Large Nevus Excision for a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Rapid Intraoperative Tissue Expansion with Latex Glove after Large Nevus Excision for a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Intraoperative tissue expansion as an alternative approach for hand syndactyly management to avoid skin grafts in children

Background/Aim. A great number of syndactyly release techniques have been described over last two centuries. The aim of our study is outcome assessment of congenital syndactyly surgery using temporary tissue expansion of the dorsal hand and local flaps, without skin grafts. Methods. This study included children with congenital hand syndactyly treated in period from 2009?2015 by operative technique with temporary tissue expansion of the dorsal hand skin and local flaps, without skin grafting. In all cases surgery was performed under general anesthesia. According to Weber?s descriptive method, the functional outcome at the end of the follow-up period was categorized as good, fair or bad. All patients were evaluated for associated anomalies. Results. A total of 26 children (20 males, 6 females), aged from 6 months to 6 years (average age of 23 months), were operated by previously described technique. There were 20 patients with complete syndactyly and 6 with incomplete, mostly involving the third web. Associated anomalies were diagnosed in 9 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 5 years with average duration of 2.6 years. The functional results were good in 20 patients, fair in 5 and bad in 1 patient. Conclusion. Surgical procedure with temporary tissue expansion of the dorsal hand skin and local flaps, without skin grafting is effective method of congenital syndactyly treatment in children with good functional and aesthetic results. The advantages of this technique are the reduction of surgery duration and avoiding certain complications, such as web hair growth, hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scars.

SPY Elite's Ability to Predict Nipple Necrosis in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Tissue Expander Reconstruction.

Background:Nipple-sparing techniques have improved the aesthetics of reconstruction following mastectomy, but nipple necrosis complicates up to 37% of procedures, distressing patients, delaying adjuvant therapy, and compromising outcomes. No method reliably detects nipple necrosis better than clinical assessment of tissue perfusion. We prospectively assessed the accuracy of intraoperative indocyanine green laser angiography to predict nipple necrosis.Methods:Twenty consecutive women undergoing immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction following 32 nipple-sparing mastectomies underwent indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to assess nipple perfusion immediately before and after intraoperative tissue expansion. Imaging findings were correlated with postoperative nipple viability.Results:Among the 32 nipple-sparing mastectomies (8 unilateral, 12 bilateral) in 20 women (mean age, 48 years), partial or full-thickness necrotic changes developed in 3 breasts of 2 patients (10%). Imaging identified impaired perfusion and predicted necrosis in these cases.Conclusions:In this initial series, intraoperative indocyanine green laser angiography correctly identified patients who developed nipple necrosis during mastectomy and tissue expander breast reconstruction.

Ultrastructural effects of topical dimethyl sulfoxide on collage fibers during acute skin expansion in a human ex-vivo model

Background Despite some studies confirming the effectiveness of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on acute skin expansion, the precise mechanism through which it quickens tissue expansion is yet unknown. No studies have been carried out to date to thoroughly investigate the ultrastructural effects of DMSO on intraoperative tissue expansion. The aim of the present study was to test the ex vivo ultrastructural effects of topical 60% DMSO on dermal collagen fibers of acutely expanded human cutaneous flaps.

Duoderm®-Bra for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with tissue expander reconstruction is a widely used technique that can produce aesthetically pleasing reconstruction results after mastectomy. Nipple position and healthy mastectomy flaps with good vascularity are important determinants of an adequate aesthetic final result. An initial high fill volume of the expander can produce a more natural breast mound appearance postoperatively. However, this can often lead to ischemia with loss of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Conversely, low intraoperative fill rates are conducive to enhanced tissue circulation and viability. But this may lead to poor skin envelope draping and nipple placement lower than desired. We have developed a new technique called "Duoderm®-bra" that brings together both mastectomy skin tissue health and aesthetic success with optimal nipple positioning. We hypothesized that with Duoderm®-bra, the NAC can be stabilized in the desired high position and ptosis can be reduced. We also hypothesized that by eliminating the need for acellular dermal matrix and intraoperative fill, "Duoderm®-bra" would decrease the rate of complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using novel "Duoderm®-bra" technique in NSM. After an institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review of 35 consecutive patients was done with 65 breasts undergoing NSM and tissue expander reconstruction by the same plastic surgeon. Patients in whom "Duoderm®-bra" was used were compared with patients without the "Duoderm®-bra." Patients with acellular dermal matrix were excluded. Age, ptosis grade, preoperative nipple to IMF ratio (R/L), tumor characteristics, mastectomy specimen weight (R/L), time from mastectomy to first fill, time from mastectomy to final fill, final fill volume (R/L), NAC and skin necrosis, and other complications requiring surgery were recorded. Postoperative photographs for NAC positioning (side view most projected point versus at a lower point) were assessed using a scoring system. Two groups were then compared. Complications were higher in the non-Duoderm® group compared with Duoderm®-bra (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-15.04; P = 0.021). Optimum nipple positioning was significantly higher with Duoderm®-bra compared with no Duoderm®-bra (odds ratio, 50.0; 95% CI, 10.9-230.1; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in timing from mastectomy to completion of expansion in the Duoderm® group compared with no Duoderm®-bra group (mean difference, -2.35; 95% CI, -10.37 to 5.68). Use of "Duoderm®-bra" without intraoperative tissue expansion in NSM is a new technique. This technique improves nipple position with less ptosis and greater elevation, decreases flap and NAC necrosis complications, and does not increase total reconstructive period in NSM patients.

Intraoperative tissue expansion in the surgical correction of craniosynostosis

Background Wound healing complications can occur after calvarial vault expansion due to tension on the scalp flaps. Objectives To compare wound healing outcomes in patients with craniosynostosis undergoing calvarial vault expansion with and without intraoperative tissue expansion of the scalp. Methods The present analysis was an institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study involving 40 consecutive patients at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics (Columbia, Missouri, USA) who underwent calvarial vault expansion for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2012. Patients were divided into two sequential cohorts: the first 20 underwent calvarial vault expansion without intraoperative tissue expansion; the second 20 underwent calvarial vault expansion with intraoperative tissue expansion. The main outcome measures included presence or absence of wound healing complications (persistent scabbing or slow-healing wounds, hardware exposure, need for operative wound revision or healed but widened scars), with documented postoperative follow-up of at least three months. The primary end point was the presence of a well-healed scar; the secondary end point was the need for an operative revision. Results Patients in the intraoperative tissue expansion group had a higher percentage of well-healed scars (73.6%) than those in the nonexpansion group (42.1%) (P=0.0487). This difference was primarily due to scar widening in the nonexpansion group. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the use of intraoperative tissue expansion in patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent calvarial vault expansion resulted in a greater likelihood of a well-healed incision with a lower rate of poor scarring.

Intraoperative tissue expansion in the surgical correction of craniosynostosis

Wound healing complications can occur after calvarial vault expansion due to tension on the scalp flaps. To compare wound healing outcomes in patients with craniosynostosis undergoing calvarial vault expansion with and without intraoperative tissue expansion of the scalp. The present analysis was an institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study involving 40 consecutive patients at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics (Columbia, Missouri, USA) who underwent calvarial vault expansion for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2012. Patients were divided into two sequential cohorts: the first 20 underwent calvarial vault expansion without intraoperative tissue expansion; the second 20 underwent calvarial vault expansion with intraoperative tissue expansion. The main outcome measures included presence or absence of wound healing complications (persistent scabbing or slow-healing wounds, hardware exposure, need for operative wound revision or healed but widened scars), with documented postoperative follow-up of at least three months. The primary end point was the presence of a well-healed scar; the secondary end point was the need for an operative revision. Patients in the intraoperative tissue expansion group had a higher percentage of well-healed scars (73.6%) than those in the nonexpansion group (42.1%) (P=0.0487). This difference was primarily due to scar widening in the nonexpansion group. The present study demonstrated that the use of intraoperative tissue expansion in patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent calvarial vault expansion resulted in a greater likelihood of a well-healed incision with a lower rate of poor scarring.

Revising Large Scars

Large scars in the head and neck are often the cause of significant emotional distress to patients, and often present unique challenges to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon undertaking their revision. The primary goal of scar revision is to eliminate compromise of function that may have resulted from scar contracture; a secondary goal is to improve the appearance of the scar. Special techniques for the revision of large scars include serial partial excision, rapid intraoperative or prolonged tissue expansion, split- and full-thickness skin grafting, regional flaps, and free microvascular tissue transfer. Recent research has investigated the use of artificial skin and autologous fat grafting for large scar revision.

Treatment of a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus on the Forehead with Immediate Tissue Expansion Technique: A Three‐Year Follow‐Up

The aim of this case report was to determine the method and basic principles of immediate tissue expansion using a Foley catheter in the forehead region for treating a medium-sized congenital melanocytic nevus. A 4-year-old child presented with a supraorbitally located forehead congenital melanocytic nevus, close to the midline. Total excision and reconstruction with intraoperatively expanded forehead skin below the hairline was performed. Intraoperative tissue expansion using a Foley catheter allowed us to obtain expanded and enhanced local tissue, which had tissue characteristics similar to those of the forehead skin, and thus closure of a medium-sized defect without distorting important anatomic structures such as the brow and frontal hairline was possible. Of the two methods of tissue expansion, immediate expansion using a Foley catheter is a good alternative in single-stage reconstruction of head and neck defects because it has the advantage of omnidirectional expansion.