Immediate skin expansion: an old concept by a novel and inexpensive technique

Intraoperative skin expansion is not a new concept. We have developed a technique using readily available inexpensive material to achieve wound closure. In this prospective study, 15 patients (age range, 1-72 years) with melanoma, giant nevi, scars, meningocele, gastroschisis, alopecia, thrombosed renal dialysis fistula, calcified nodule and trauma, with defects on back, limbs, abdomen, scalp, hand, calcaneum, and sole of foot were treated. Only hypodermic needles and dental wire, with an overall cost of less than a dollar, are needed for the immediate skin expansion technique. In contrast, the numerous other commercial devices currently in use are costly and must be ordered in advance. Using our technique, the wound can be gradually approximated and subcutaneous sutures placed with the device in situ. An intradermal or simple running suture is then placed to approximate the skin edges under little or no tension and the device is removed. All patients had a good result with minimal morbidity. The wounds treated by this technique healed by primary intention except in 3 patients, who developed minor dehiscence of the wounds.