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Published on: April 16, 2017
External tissue expansion using negative pressure in upper-extremity reconstruction
1General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt. lasheenahmed@yahoo.com
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|December 6, 2006
Summary
External tissue expansion using negative pressure is a safe and effective method for reconstructing soft-tissue injuries in the upper extremities. This technique offers a cost-effective solution with minimal complications, making it a valuable option for reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Soft-tissue expansion is increasingly utilized for upper extremity reconstruction.
- Implantable balloons are a standard method for tissue expansion.
- External tissue expansion offers an alternative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use of external tissue expansion with negative pressure for soft-tissue reconstruction in the upper extremities.
- To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of this technique.
Main Methods:
- External expanders (valved cups) were applied to the skin around lesions in 40 patients.
- Negative pressure was applied to the expanders to achieve gradual tissue expansion.
- Expansion continued until sufficient skin surface area was achieved for lesion coverage.
Main Results:
- The technique was successfully applied in 40 patients.
- Complications were mild, primarily skin blistering.
- Negative pressure was maintained below -200 mbar.
Conclusions:
- External tissue expansion using negative pressure is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method.
- It yields good results for reconstructing soft-tissue injuries in the upper extremities.
