Histological structure of fibrous capsule around expanders and its clinical significance / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the fibrous capsule structure and its change after expansion.Methods Twelve minipigs were chosen for establishing the animal models of conventional intermittent tissue expansion (CITE) and continuous pressure tissue expansion (CPTE). The capsule samples were taken for measurement and histological examination.Results The thickness and the contraction rates of capsules in CPTE group were significantly less than those of CITE group. The capsule consisted of four layers, in which a large amount of collagen and elastic fibers existed and some small arteries, veins and capillaries were well developed. After expanded flaps were transplanted, capsules contained in flaps were partially degenerated except elastic fiber layer and fibrolaminar layer, but capsules on the wound bed almost all degenerated. Conclusion The results suggest that capsules have contractive and blood supply abilities. Capsulectomy is able to decrease flap contraction. Large expanded flaps are better to have the capsule reserved. No efforts shall be done to the capsules on wound beds.