Complications in tissue expansion: an updated retrospective analysis of risk factors

The technique of tissue expansion has been widely applied in plastic surgery since the 1980 s. Implantation in the lower limb region, external port placement, and young patient age were known as risk factors for complications. Over the years, surgical experience has increased along with improved patient management and expander manufacturing. The aim of this study was to identify possible changes in risk factors regarding complications in tissue expansion.

A retrospective, single-institution large sample observational study over a 5-year period (2006-2010) was performed involving 481 tissue expanders in 344 patients. Patients underwent surgical treatment for resurfacing scar tissue in the scalp, face, neck, nose, and limbs, but not breast. In addition, the results are discussed based on a comprehensive review of the literature published between 1995 and 2009.

Statistical analysis showed significant correlations between cheek and hematoma (P=0.0133), scalp and dehiscence (P=0.0139), number of expanders per region and leakage (P=0.0379), number of expanders per region and overall complications (P=0.0252). Factors such as gender, age, tobacco use, and repeated expander implantation had no significant influence on the incidence of complications. The lower extremity region and young patient age ceased to show a statistical correlation with complications. The number of expanders per region was identified as a risk factor that has been disregarded so far.

Evidence suggests a recent change in risk factors for tissue expansion-related complications. Consideration of updated risk factors may help to further improve outcomes in tissue expansion.