Mohan1, T. R. Nagarjuna2
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tissue expander is a technique to correct large defects created by excision of tumors, treatment of male pattern baldness, breast reconstruction and several other conditions with excellent cosmosis. A plexiform neurofibroma is a condition which is cause of cosmetic embarrassment in patients with neurofibromatosis. Patients present late with tumors of large sizes. Excision of these tumors invariably creates large defects which cannot be approximated adequately. The use of tissue expander to achieve the closure of defect caused by excision of a plexiform nuerofibroma has been demonstrated. METHODS: A patient of neurofibromatosis with a plexiform neurofibroma was subjected to the placement of a tissue expander adjacent to the tumor. After achieving the required flap, tumor excised and defect covered with the flap created. RESULTS: The use of tissue expander yielded adequate flap coverage and also excellent aesthetic result at the end of 3 months.
