The Use of Foley Catheter for Immediate Intraoperative Tissue Expansion

Authors

  • Arthi Kruavit Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Vivat Visuthikosol Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Abstract

Background: The two-stage technique of tissue expansion is well-accepted modality for increasing available local skin flap with the same colour, texture, and sensation for defect closure. Immediate intraoperative tissue expansion with several stress-load cycles is a technique based upon the same principle of traditional chronic tissue expansion. The use of Foley catheter as a tissue expander for immediate intraoperative tissue expansion has been previously reported.

Objective: To demonstrate the use of Foley catheter for immediate intraoperative tissue expansion with only one stress-load cycle.

Materials and Methods: Twelve patients, ages ranged from 7-52 years, underwent immediate intraoperative tissue expansion for closure of small skin defect in which simple primary closure was not possible despite proper undermining. One to four 30 ml Foley catheters were used with one stress-load cycle of 20-40ml saline inflation. Six procedures were for scar revisions, five for closure of skin defects following removal of pigmented lesions (in five patients), one for closure of traumatic leg wound defect and one for lengthening of lower lip.

Results: All twelve skin defects were closed by the expanded skin flaps. Advancement flap was the most common flap (10/12) used for reconstruction. There were no skin necrosis, wound dehiscence or infection. The postoperative results were satisfactory including the lengthening of the lower lip. However, some patients needed scar revisions to obtain better aesthetic results.

Conclusions: The technique of using Foley catheter for immediate intraoperative tissue expansion with single stress-load cycle for 30 minutes is safe and can be performed easily under local anaesthesia. This is a nice technique for a surgeon to keep in mind.

References

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Published

2003-06-30

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Kruavit A, Visuthikosol V. The Use of Foley Catheter for Immediate Intraoperative Tissue Expansion. Thai J Surg [Internet]. 2003 Jun. 30 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];24(2):51-8. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiJSurg/article/view/242957

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