El Sakka, D., El Assal, M., Samy, M. (2025). Endoscpoic Insertion of Tissue Expanders in Post Burn Scars: A Comparative Study between Endoscopic Versus Open Tissue Expansion at Post Burn Scars. The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 49(3), 233-240. doi: 10.21608/ejprs.2025.444135
Dalia M El Sakka; Mustafa M El Assal; Medhat Samy. "Endoscpoic Insertion of Tissue Expanders in Post Burn Scars: A Comparative Study between Endoscopic Versus Open Tissue Expansion at Post Burn Scars". The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 49, 3, 2025, 233-240. doi: 10.21608/ejprs.2025.444135
El Sakka, D., El Assal, M., Samy, M. (2025). 'Endoscpoic Insertion of Tissue Expanders in Post Burn Scars: A Comparative Study between Endoscopic Versus Open Tissue Expansion at Post Burn Scars', The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 49(3), pp. 233-240. doi: 10.21608/ejprs.2025.444135
El Sakka, D., El Assal, M., Samy, M. Endoscpoic Insertion of Tissue Expanders in Post Burn Scars: A Comparative Study between Endoscopic Versus Open Tissue Expansion at Post Burn Scars. The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2025; 49(3): 233-240. doi: 10.21608/ejprs.2025.444135
Endoscpoic Insertion of Tissue Expanders in Post Burn Scars: A Comparative Study between Endoscopic Versus Open Tissue Expansion at Post Burn Scars
The Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University
Abstract
Background: The use of endoscopic technology allows for clearer visualization of the tissue-expander pocket, making it possible to place more expanders in less time while maintaining superior control. This results in improved hemostasis, fewer infections, reduced complications, quicker expansion, shorter hospitalization, and a decrease in post-operative complications. Skin tissue expansion is a valuable option for the reconstruction of large skin defects, though the procedure carries a high rate of complications. An endoscopic approach for placing tissue expanders may help lower complications rate and shorten recovery time. Objectives: In this study we will compare placement of tissue expanders with aid of endoscopy versus traditional open method for placement of tissue expanders to assess safety, feasibility and adequacy of endoscopic tissue expander placement. Patients and Methods: This study, conducted prospectively, involved 20 patients who were divided into two groups: Group A, where 10 patients underwent endoscopic tissue expander placement, and Group B, where 10 patients had the traditional open approach. The procedures were carried out at Menoufia University Hospital from June 2018 to December 2024. Patient charts were reviewed, and the data were assessed to compare the outcomes of endoscopic versus open tissue expander placement. Results: Ten patients in this study had 13 tissue expanders placed openly for reconstruction (3 with post burn cicatricial alopecia (PBCA), 7 with post burn scars (PBS), in areas such as the neck, chest wall, and limbs), and ten patients had 14 expanders placed endoscopically (7 with post burn cicatricial alopecia, 3 with post burn scars in the face, chest wall, and back). The open group average operating time was 75±5 minutes, while the endoscopic group was 100±5 minutes. However, the endoscopic group experienced a shorter hospital stay (3-5 days compared to 5-9 days) and a shorter time to reach full expansion (6-8 weeks versus 9-11 weeks). Additionally, the endoscopic group experienced fewer major complications than the open group. Conclusions: The reconstructive technique of endoscopic tissue-expander placement led to a shorter hospital stay, faster expansion, and a lower rate of major complications. Endoscopic placement is a safe and efficient technique for tissue-expander reconstruction of various cosmetic lesions, according to the study’s findings.
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