Use of self‐inflating tissue expanders in equine surgery: A prospective study of 20 cases

Background Tissue expansion is a well-established technique in reconstructive surgery. Self-inflating tissue expanders (STE) have not been widely adopted by veterinary surgeons, and clinical descriptions of their use horses are lacking. Objective To describe the indications, experiences outcomes series equine cases that used hydrogel-based STE to assist soft reconstruction. Study design Prospective study. Methods Case details, surgical techniques were recorded for requiring an STE, using predesigned data collection sheet completed treating surgeon. All underwent two procedures as part treatment: one place STE(s) second remove device(s) perform surgery expanded tissue. Results Twenty had STEs implanted at seven clinics sufficient follow-up inclusion Indications included following: skin prior excision neoplastic lesion (n = 13), repair sinocutaneous fistula 2), chronic scarring or nonhealing wound full-thickness ear pinna defect 1) rectovestibular injury 2). The degree was graded good 19/20 (95%) provided cover entire 11/20 (55%). STE-associated complications occurred 9/20 (45%), but none these serious. final outcome surgeon excellent 15/20 (75%). Main limitations Only type device described, its compared with other treatments. Information regarding locations than head 3) limited. Conclusions Use resulted no serious variety cases.