TISSUE EXPANSION IN THE PEDIATRIC-PATIENT

Although tissue expansion has many advantages over other reconstructiv e options, potential complications require consideration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of tissue expansion in th e infant and child. During the 6-year period from 1985 to 1990, a tota l of 147 expanders were placed in 76 patients. Age of the patients at the time of insertion of the expanders ranged from 1 to 18 years (medi an, 8 yr). Twenty of the 76 patients studied suffered from complicatio ns, a rate of 26%. Despite the high complication rate, complications d id not compromise the final result because they occurred near the end of the expansion period and usually involved one of the many implanted expanders. With the appropriate selection of patients, tissue expansi on has proved extremely valuable as a reconstructive option in the ped iatric patient.