[Local administration of drug during tissue expansion]

In order to shorten the expansion time and reduce complications in tissue expansion, we developed a new method using local delivery of drug during tissue expansion. The procedure commenced with placing an implant syringe between the skin and the expander. While the skin was expanded, the drugs such as prednisolone and procaine were injected under the skin from the implant syringe. We have used the method in 23 cases and compared the results with the control group of 11 cases. It was found that the new method shortened the expansion time and reduced complications. The method had definite effect and the manipulation was simple and convenient. We conclude that the method is of value to assist tissue expansion and is worth employing routinely.