Use of tissue expanders in the repair of complex abdominal wall defects.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Closure of abdominal wall defects in children poses a challenge for pediatric surgeons. We describe a technique using tissue expanders placed either intraperitoneally or in the abdominal wall to aid in the reconstruction of a variety of complex abdominal wall defects. METHODS: The tissue expanders are inserted under general anesthesia. Initial expansion is done in the operating room with attention to peak airway pressure, urine output, and end-tidal carbon dioxide. The expanders are inflated in the outpatient setting via percutaneous access until the calculated inflation volume is achieved. They are then removed; and definitive closure is accomplished using a combination of native tissue flaps, abdominal component separation techniques, biomaterials, and synthetic material. RESULTS: Six children underwent tissue expansion for treatment of abdominal wall defects (omphalocele, n = 3), trauma (n = 1), and thoracopagus twins (n = 1 pair). One to 4 expanders were used per patient, with all having a successful reconstruction of their abdominal walls. Two to 3 operations were required to restore abdominal domain and consisted of expander insertion, removal with reconstruction, and possible revision of the reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue expanders possess a broad range of applications for abdominal wall reconstruction and can be used in patients of all ages.

Calciphylaxis and nonhealing wounds: the role of the vascular surgeon in a multidisciplinary treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Calciphylaxis, a disorder of calcium-phosphate metabolism that can result in arterial calcification, skin and solid organ calcium deposits, and nonhealing ulcerations, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although its most common cause is secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal failure, vascular surgeons are frequently called on to evaluate these nonhealing extremity wounds. We reviewed our experience of a multidisciplinary approach in treating patients with calciphylaxis and nonhealing ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 14-month period at a tertiary center, five patients were seen with calciphylaxis and nonhealing leg wounds. Demographics, disease characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: All five patients were black women aged 40 +/- 8.9 years with hypertensive renal failure undergoing long-term hemodialysis (80 +/- 43 months). They had large, painful lower extremity wounds or necrotic ulcers (mean size, 135 cm(2)) that had developed over 2 to 4 months. Three patients had palpable pedal pulses, one patient had Doppler pedal signals, and one patient had absent pedal flow. Arteriogram was performed in the latter two patients, and one patient underwent lower extremity revascularization because of superficial femoral artery stenosis with symptomatic improvement. Four patients underwent aggressive debridement by the vascular surgical service, and two needed plastic surgeon-performed skin grafting. All patients had elevated parathyroid hormone levels (mean, 1735 pg/mL; > 25 x normal level); mean preoperative calcium levels were normal (10 mg/dL). After either subtotal (n = 4) or total (n = 1) parathyroidectomy by an experienced endocrine surgeon, a significant reduction in parathyroid hormone and calcium levels was seen (122 pg/mL and 7.9 mg/dL, respectively; P <.05). There were no postoperative complications or amputations; one patient died 12 months after parathyroidectomy of severe preexisting cardiopulmonary disease. Complete wound healing was observed by 4.8 +/- 2 months. During a mean follow-up period of 9 months (range, 1 to 18 months), all wounds remained healed without ulcer recurrence. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of calciphylaxis should be considered in patients with end-stage renal disease with atypical tissue necrosis or subcutaneous nodules. Early recognition of calciphylaxis and multidisciplinary treatment, including diligent wound care, frequent debridement, parathyroidectomy, and appropriate skin grafting or revascularization, can result in improved wound healing and limb salvage.