Related Experiment Videos
Serial tissue expansion for reconstruction of burns of the head and neck
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Red Cros Childrens' Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. hudsond@ucrgsh1.uct.ac.za
Insights
Serial tissue expansion is a valuable technique for head and neck burn reconstruction in children. This method, involving multiple tissue expanders, proved effective in scar revision for pediatric burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Burn Reconstruction
- Tissue Expansion Techniques
Background:
- Reconstruction of head and neck burns in children presents unique challenges.
- Limited data exists on the efficacy of serial tissue expansion for pediatric burn scar management.
- Tissue expansion offers a potential solution for obtaining adequate skin grafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and complication rates of serial tissue expansion for head and neck burn reconstruction in pediatric patients.
- To assess the feasibility of multiple expansion procedures in a single patient.
- To determine if serial tissue expansion is a viable reconstructive option for pediatric burn scars.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 14 pediatric patients (mean age 7.8 years) undergoing serial tissue expansion for head and neck burns over an 11-year period.
- A total of 67 tissue expanders were used across multiple expansion sessions per patient.
- Burn scars were completely excised or reduced in size following expansion.
Main Results:
- Patients underwent between one and four expansion procedures.
- The major complication rate (expander extrusion) was 21% for the first expansion, 25% for the second, and 14% for subsequent expansions.
- Successful scar excision or reduction was achieved in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Serial tissue expansion is a feasible and effective method for reconstructing head and neck burn scars in children.
- The technique allows for significant tissue recruitment, facilitating complete scar removal or reduction.
- Further consideration of serial tissue expansion is warranted for pediatric burn reconstruction.
Abstract:
There is little reported on serial tissue expansion for reconstruction of burns of the head and neck. Fourteen children (mean age 7.8 years, range 3-11 years) treated over almost an 11 year period, had a total of 67 expanders used. Fourteen children had expansion performed on the first occasion, 14 again on a second occasion, 10 on a third occasion and one on a fourth occasion. The major complication rate (expander extruded prior to completion of the expansion process) was 21,25 and 14%, respectively. In all cases, the burn scar was completely excised or reduced in size. Serial tissue expansion should be considered as a useful method of reconstruction burns of the head and neck.