Our experience with tissue expansion in the reconstruction of burned children
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Acta chirurgiae plasticae |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Surgery incl. transplantology |
| Keywords | tissue expansion pediatric burns |
| Description | Goal: To describe the advantages of tissue expanders in the reconstruction of burned children; to describe the basic complications associated with the use of expanders; and to compare our long-standing experience with the results of other studies. Introduction: Severe thermal trauma often results in life-long stigma. In the modern era the treatment of these injuries has to have a good functional as well as aesthetic result. That is the only way to help patients return to regular life and ensure they are not socially ostracized. Nowadays tissue expanders are used commonly in reconstructive surgery, to treat the consequences not only of burn trauma but also of various congenital or acquired abnormalities. Workplace: Department of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Brno Type of study: Retrospective, mono-centric Material and method: The study involved a total of 19 children (15 girls and 4 boys). Between 2005 and 2009 we completed 34 expansions in these children. Indicators such as age, volume of the expanders used, location of the expanded area, and length of hospitalization are retrospectively evaluated in association with implantation of an expander. Retrospectively we also evaluate complications associated with the use of this method. Results: Between the years 2005 and 2009 we hospitalized a total of 385 pediatric patients for reconstructive surgery at our department. In 19 patients we completed 34 tissue expansions. The average age of the patients in the group was 12.8 years (5–9 years). The average time between the burn injury and first implantation of the expander was 5.5 years (2–9 years). Total frequency of complications associated with tissue expansion was 17.7%. The most common complication was dehiscence of suture in the area of the expander (11.8%). In one patient a surgical revision was necessary due to hematoma after the expander implantation. None of the patients had problems filling of the expander or infection complications associated with this method. Conclusion: In the study we have managed to define particular complications of the tissue expansion in burned children. Only with correct choice of procedure timing, choice and preparation of patients, followed by meticulous surgical technique, is it possible to eliminate undesired consequences and achieve satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. |