Tissue Expansion in Pediatric Head and Neck Reconstruction

Tissue expansion has proved successful in reconstruction of large defects. The purpose of this study is to present the results of tissue expansion in reconstruction of pediatric head and neck defects. This clinical series includes 46 patients with an average age of 6.7 years, who underwent tissue expansion reconstruction of large head and neck defects at Cairo University Hospitals between January 2004 and June 2007. A total of 50 expanders were used. Expanded flaps were designed as advancement (N=34), rotational (N=14) and transposition (N=2). The average follow up period was 18.3 months. Complete coverage of the defect was achieved in 91.3% (N=42) with excellent tissue match. The complication rate was 14% (N=7). Complications included exposure (N=3), infection (N=3) and expander failure (N=1). The overall outcome was rated to be good in 52.2% (N=24), satisfactory in 34.8% (N=16) and fair in 13% (N=6). Tissue expansion can be successfully used in reconstruction of large head and neck defects in