The role of skin expansion : giant nevi of the hand

The Authors, after considering the epidemic and evolution of giant nevi, present their surgical protocol for giant melanocitic nevi of the hand. Their experience is based on 2 cases, but the rarity of these lesions of the hand, the reconstructive technique used and the results obtained justify the report in detail. The Authors used in both cases an expanded groin flap to repair the postexcisional wound. Skin expansion allowed both to obtain flaps, which were wide and reliable, and to close primarily the donor areas. The definitive resorption of the subcutaneous fat caused by the expansion allowed to obtain thin and adaptable flaps, which ensured excellent results also in areas of primary functional value, such as the hand. In both cases, the expanded going flap was used to repair the dorsum of the hand. In one case the lateral and medial parts of the fingers were repaired with skin grafts.