Characteristics and treatment strategies of expander infections in auricular reconstruction using tissue expansion
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20240416-00099
- VernacularTitle:扩张法耳廓再造术中扩张器感染的特点及治疗策略
- Author:
Chenglong WANG
1
;
Dejin GAO
1
;
Rui GUO
1
;
Qingguo ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. 中国医学科学院北京协和医学院整形外科医院综合整形科，北京 100144
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Congenital microtia;
Tissue expansion devices;
Infections
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2025;41(1):47-51
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To summarize the characteristics and treatment strategies of tissue expander infections in auricular reconstruction using tissue expansion, providing references for the prevention and treatment of expander infections.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of patients who underwent auricular reconstruction using tissue expansion from January 2018 to January 2024 in the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The causes of expander infections were summarized. Infections were categorized based on time periods (perioperative, inflation period, skin expansion period) and severity (mild, severe). The management and healing outcomes of different types of expander infections were recorded and their incidence rates were calculated. Descriptive statistical method were employed for analysis.Results:A total of 39 patients were included, with 25 males (64.1%) and 14 females (35.9%). The age was (8.2 ±1.9) years (range 5-13 years). Regarding infection causes, folliculitis of the expanded flap was noted in 9 cases (23.1%), inflation procedures in 10 cases (25.6%), insect bites in 2 cases (5.1%), and no obvious cause in 18 cases (46.2%). Perioperative infections occurred in 3 cases (7.7%), inflation period infections in 30 cases (76.9%), and skin expansion period infections in 6 cases (15.4%). Mild infections were present in 21 cases (53.8%) and severe infections in 18 cases (46.2%). After successful treatment of expander infections, 34 patients (87.2%) completed the second stage of reconstruction, while the remaining 5 cases(12.8%) had the expander removed and received ear reconstruction six months later.Conclusion:Infections of expanders during auricular reconstruction using tissue expansion are more common during the inflation period. Early management of potential causes of expander infections can reduce the risk of infection.
