Vascularized Expander Capsule as an Internal Lining Substitute in Staged Nasal Reconstruction A Case Report
17 th Congress of the European Federation of Societies for Microsurgery in Prague, Praha, Çek Cumhuriyeti, 14 - 17 Haziran 2026, ss.20, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Praha
- Basıldığı Ülke: Çek Cumhuriyeti
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.20
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Vascularized Expander Capsule as an Internal Lining Substitute in Staged Nasal Reconstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Çağlar YILMAZ, Arjin KAYA, Alp ERCAN
Affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
Background
Reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects requires restoration of internal lining, structural support, and external skin coverage. Achieving a stable and well-vascularized lining remains one of the most challenging aspects of nasal reconstruction. Although tissue expansion is widely used to optimize forehead flap design, the vascularized capsule formed around a tissue expander has not been described as an internal lining substitute. We present a novel application of expander capsule tissue for nasal lining reconstruction.
Methods
A patient with a complex full-thickness nasal defect underwent staged reconstruction. A forehead tissue expander was placed to prepare for external coverage. Following expansion, the vascularized capsular tissue formed around the expander was preserved at the time of expander removal and utilized as an internal lining substitute. Structural support was reconstructed using cartilage grafts, and external coverage was achieved with a paramedian forehead flap. Standard postoperative monitoring and long-term follow-up were performed.
Results
The capsular lining remained viable without necrosis. Adequate airway patency was maintained, and no significant contraction or stenosis was observed during follow-up. External flap survival was complete. No major complications occurred. Progressive surface epithelialization of the capsular tissue was clinically observed.
Conclusion
The vascularized expander capsule may serve as a potential internal lining substitute in staged nasal reconstruction. This prefabricated vascularized tissue offers a local, readily available alternative in selected cases where traditional mucosal flaps are limited. Further clinical experience is required to evaluate long-term functional and structural outcomes.