Abstract

ESCORIAL HERNANDEZ, V. et al. Tissue expansion in the reconstruction of craniofacial defects. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2004, vol.26, n.5, pp.297-303. ISSN 2173-9161.

Tissue expanders are one alternative for craniofacial defects. Its objective is the progressive dilation of a region of skin until it achieves a sufficient size to cover the defect. The selection of the defect to reconstruct by tissue expansion and the correct handling of the expander are important factors that the surgeon should know in order to achieve a good result both aesthetically and functionally. We have performed a retrospective study of 9 patients with craniofacial defects, treated with tissue expanders in the last five years. We have done a descriptive analysis, evaluating the results obtained and the complications during the expansion. We analyzed diverse aspects (surgical technique, region of the defect, localization of the expander, expander size and the rate of the expansion) that can influence the final result. In 88.88% of the cases, the origin of the craniofacial defects is the removal of tumoral lesions. In 80% of the cases, the final aesthetic and functional result is satisfactory. We found complications in 3 patients: ulceration of the expanded skin, crystallization of the expander liquid and expander perforation. The first two ones required removal the expander and the trird one necessitated anticipate the surgery, but with a good final result. In our experience, the tissue expanders are a good alternative in the reconstruction of certain craniofacial defects with satisfactory aesthetic and functional results.

Keywords : Tissue expander; Craneofacial defect; Reconstructive surgery.

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