Comparison of Vascular Density in Expanded Tissues versus Normal Tissue in Patients Need Alternative Tissue

Abstract

Background: For replacement of the lost tissue due to trauma and burns, several methods were used; tissue expander in one of them, but few studies has been done about it. This study aimed to compare vascular density in the expanded tissue versus normal tissue in patients with missing tissue. Methods: In a clinical trial study in 2015-2016, 25 candidates for tissue expander were enrolled. Subcutaneous tissue expander was placed and after completion of treatment, at the time getting expanders out of the body, 5 samples were given from expanded capsule, subcutaneous of expanded tissue, subcutaneous of not-expanded tissue, expanded skin, and not-expanded skin. Vascular density of the samples were determined by a pathologist and were compared with healthy tissue of adjacent area. Findings: The mean vascular density in expanded capsule, subcutaneous of expanded tissue, and subcutaneous of not-expanded tissue were 8.96 ± 4.73, 7.36 ± 3.29, and 5.08 ± 2.40 per mm2, respectively; vascular density of subcutaneous of expanded and not-expanded tissue was statistically different (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Using expanded tissue for destroyed tissue replacement is an efficient method in patients who need it; developing tissue with this method leads to development of vascularity in expanded tissue.

Keywords

• Tissue expanders
• Skin
• Tissue transplantation