ObjectiveTo explore the causes and prevention measures of the cracking of skin tissue expander applied for ear deformity surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of the patients who underwent ear reconstruction surgery with skin tissue expander which cracked during water injection after surgery between January 2013 and March 2015. And then we analyzed the causes and summarized the preventive measures, such as strengthening health education, protective ear cap application, and correct water injection. ResultsWe collected a total of 149 patients including 153 deformity ears, and 151 skin tissue expanders were used. Skin tissue expander cracking occurred in 7 ears during water injection after surgery with an incidence of 4.64%. Among the seven cases, 5 cases of cracking occurred in the late water injection period when the skin flap size was almost close to expectations; these 5 patients underwent stage-two surgery after the expanders were taken out, and the results were satisfactory. The other 2 ears had expander cracking in the early water injection period, so we took out the skin tissue expander and implanted it again, and the second phase surgery was also satisfactory. The third-stage surgery for the seven cases was all successful. After the third-stage surgery, all patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months, and the outcomes were satisfying without any complications. ConclusionTo reduce or avoid skin tissue expander cracking, we should master strict terms of water injection and take effective health education and preventive measures.
Soft tissue expander has been improved to perfection in recent ten years. Many excellent works have been accomplished for the patients who suffered from either soft tissue malformation or defects following traumatism, infection or benign tumors. But the reconstruction of soft tissue defects cause by malignant tumor hasbeen less studied.Four patients suffering from malignant tumour localized in the scalp and face, 1women and 3 men ranging from 65 to 75 years of age, have been operated on since1986. Their major deficits have been reconstructed with radican tissue expander, by the flap of the same colour and texture and also, similar thickness and sensation. There is no relapse in all the patients operated on reported until today.The surgical technique was discribed. The clinical results and the indication of tissue expander in the surgical treatment of malignant tumour are discussed.
Objective To explore the current status and advances of tissue expansion technology in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, and to provide references for the rational selection of expander types, implant planes, and strategies for complication prevention and management in clinical practice. MethodsAn extensive review was conducted on relevant literature and clinical research data, both domestic and international, from recent years regarding tissue expansion techlology for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The focus was on summarizing the characteristics and indications of different types of expanders, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the two implant planes, subpectoral and prepectoral, and discussing the prevention and management of common complications. Results Tissue expanders continue to serve as a pivotal element in breast prosthesis reconstruction, with their effectiveness being subject to the influence of multiple factors, including expander type, filling medium, implant plane, and individual patient characteristics. In recent years, research endeavors have concentrated on prepectoral placement, the selection of expanders with varying surface properties, and a comparative analysis between air and saline filling techniques. Notably, different technical strategies demonstrate distinct variations in terms of postoperative pain, seroma, infection, and capsular contracture. ConclusionTissue expansion technology has become a cornerstone of implant-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Each expander type, filling method, and implant plane has its own advantages and limitations; selection should be tailored to the patient’s anatomical condition, oncologic treatment plan, and individualized aesthetic requirements.