[CORSET, experience with a new method of graft saving tissue replacement in large soft tissue defects].

Following the proposal of Oedekoven we investigated the method of continuous and rapid skin enlargement by dynamic traction (which we named the CORSET-method) at the border of wounds, applied through elastic silicon rubber bands. Since March 1992 we operated more than 20 patients. By means of the "rubber bands" mentioned above soft tissues can be stimulated to grow, that is to say increase the area of skin that had to be treated with transplants priorily in order to close soft tissue defects following a compartment-syndrome or septic complications in the abdomic wall following operations in the abdomen. Applying the CORSET-method there is no risk of inflammation or soft tissue damage caused by the operation itself.