Our Experience of Tie Over bolster and Quilting Sutures Versus Stapler fixation for Split thickness skin graft in post burn neck contracture – A Comparative study

Background:Traditional method to fix Split thickness skin graft in post burn neck contracture is Tie over Bolster dressing and Quilting sutures. We used staplers to fix split thickness skin graft. Methodology:Acomparative study conducted in 30 patients with post burn neck contracture at tertiary care hospital, Nashik over a period of 6 years. Time required for fixation of split thickness skin graft, outcome in terms of graft uptake and patients comfort level while removing sutures and stapler recorded. Results: Total 30 Patients were included in our study. Mean time required for Tie over and quilting suture was 10.53 ± 0.88 min, significantly higher than the mean time in stapler fixation 4.87 ± 0.81 min. (p<0.001). Graft take was 95% in stapler and 93% in Tie over and quilting suture. Conclusion:Fixation of Split thickness skin graft with stapler is more rapid, less time consuming also results in decreased surgical and anaesthesia time. More patient friendly while removing staplers with comparable skin graft uptake

A clinical study of modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with split thickness skin graft: a tertiary care experience

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is associated with failure of fetal mullerian-duct development that results in congenital deficiency of the upper part of the vagina with a rudimentary-to-absent uterus. These patients have primary amenorrhoea, infertility as well as insufficient sexual gratification. Although conception can be dealt with IVF and surrogacy but at least by doing neovaginal construction by McIndoe vaginoplasty, these patients have acceptable sexual life and intercourse. The main objective of this study was creating a neovagina leading to a satisfactory sexual life.Methods: Modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with split thickness skin graft, was done in seven patients with MRKH syndrome from 2014-2017 and these patients were followed till 2019. All patients had detailed counselling regarding the surgery, the complications involved and the outcome. Thorough investigations were done in all the patients.Results: The functional results were satisfactory in all the seven patients. There was no blood transfusion requirement or any serious complication involved. An average vaginal length of 7-9 cm and vaginal width of 3-4 cm was achieved. Donor site healing was adequate in all patients with no complications.Conclusions: Modified McIndoe vaginoplasty, if performed with good surgical skills, is a secure and beneficial way to achieve sexual contentment in patient with vaginal agenesis, with no donor site complications.

Application of autogenous adipose concentrate combined with split-thickness skin graft in repair of venous ulcer / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective@#To explore the feasibility and clinical effect of autologous fat concentrate combined with split-thickness skin grafts in the repair of venous ulcer.@*Methods@#From January 2015 to December 2018, a total of 16 patients diagnosed with venous ulcer were admitted to our department, and all patients received symptomatic and supportive treatment such as local debridement and dressing change. After the granulation tissue grew well, all patients received autologous adipose concentrate combined with spilit-thickness skin graft for repair.@*Results@#All the grafted skin survived well, and the survival rate of grafted skin at 2 weeks after surgery was 86% to 99%. All patients were followed up to 6 months after surgery. The wounds of all patients were healed during the follow-up period. One patient suffered local ulcer recurrence due to repeated friction after healing and the ulcer recovered after dressing changing treatment. All the other patients had no recurrence during the follow-up period. The scar hyperplasia in the skin transplantation area was not obvious and the healing quality was good. No significant surgical complications occurred.@*Conclusions@#Autologous lipoconcentrate combined with split-thickness skin grafts is an effective and safe method in the repair of venous ulcer, and the application of autologous lipoconcentrate can effectively improve the survival rate and healing quality of skin grafts.

Versatile Scalp Donor Split Thickness Skin Graft in Burn Patients

PURPOSE: It is well known the advantages of scalp donor split thickness skin graft(STSG) in deep burn wound because of its scarless donor healing, and good color match in face. Inspite of the advantages of scalp as a skin donor site during split thickness skin graft some authors report the frequent postoperative folliculitis, and partial alopecia on scalp donor site. We had experienced 21 burn patients, who had full thickness skin defects caused by burn injuries, were successfully managed with scalp donor split thickness skin graft with our optimal donor management protocols. METHODS: We had 21 deep burn patients, who were managed with thin STSG from scalp donor for coverage of full thickness skin defects. The operative techniques of the harvesting scalp STSG, and scalp donor dressing care are such as followings. After the infiltration of the donor scalp area with 1:1,000,000 epinephrine diluted with saline, then usually 0.012~0.015 inch thickness skin were harvested with air driven Zimmer® dermatome. On postoperative 6days, the one layer of adhered Vaseline gauze at donor scalp site was manually removed, and the entire scalp was cleansed with water. After then the daily hair washing was continued to remove the desiccated scaly crust with thick exudate at the growing hair and follicle. RESULTS: The scalp split thickness skin graft at the recipient sites in 21 burn patients were survived completely. Ranges of patient's age were 8 months to 56. The size ranges of scalp STSG were 2×2 cm~12×15 cm. The grafted scalp donor STSG were survived in all cases. The mean epithelialization period of scalp donor was 7.2 days. The one case of transient folliculitis (5%) from the postoperative 8days was occurred, and it was disappeared slowly with vigorous daily hair washing, antiseptics and systemic antibiotics. In all cases, there was no micro-alopecia or alopecia, and scars in scalp donor after follow ups. The donor site pain was markedly disappeared within 1~2 postoperative day. The hemorrhage from the scalp donor site during operation was not noticeable. The newly growing hair at the scalp donor was noted from the 3 postoperative days by palpation or unaided eye through the Vaseline gauze dressing. The average lengths of newly growing hair shaft are 2~3 mm in postoperative 8 days, 5~6 mm in postoperative 14 days. CONCLUSION: We had successful reconstruction of postburn skin defects using scalp donor split thickness skin graft without donor scars, persistent folliculitis or alopecia on scalp donor. From the postoperative 6~7 days after harvesting the scalp donor STSG, early vigorous daily washing with water and open dressing of scalp donor site should be recommended in order to prevent folliculitis. After long-term follow ups, the scalp split skin grafted recipient sites showed reliable, and relatively good color match with surrounding skin in face and dorsum of hand.

Immediate Near-Total Scalp Reconstruction with Artificial Dermis on Exposed Calvarium

Scalp defect management is complicated secondary to reduced laxity in the scalp and forehead area. For reconstruction of larger defects with exposed bone and loss of the periosteal layer, free flap reconstruction is one option for single-stage surgery, although the procedure is lengthy and includes the possibility of flap loss. We successfully performed a single-stage reconstruction of a large scalp defect using a combination of artificial dermis, split-thickness skin graft, and full-thickness skin graft following wide excision of a cutaneous angiosarcoma, and present our method as one option for the treatment of large oncologic surgical defects in patients who are poor candidates for free flap surgery.

Management of Split Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site: Comparison of Different Biologic Dressing Materials (Kaloderm® vs Xe-derma®)

PURPOSE: With the advances of knowledge in wound healing process and technology in various fields, dressing material of the split thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site was improved. Recently, biologic dressing materials attracted attention and these are used for wound management. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Xe-derma® (porcine acellular dermal matrix) with Kaloderm® (cultured epithelial autografts) for treatment of the donor site. METHODS: From July 2015 to January 2016, 20 patients who had undergone STSG were enrolled. The grafts harvested with a same manner and the donor sites were managed with Xe-derma® or Kaloderm®. We compared days for re-epithelization, number of dressings, ease of application, ease of wound monitoring, pain level and complications. RESULTS: All patients managed by these dressing materials were well healed without any complications. There is no statistically difference (P=0.830) between the days for re-epithelization of Xe-derma® (11.10±0.944) and Kaloderm® (11.00±1.054). Number of dressings of Xe-derma® (1.2±0.421) was lower than Kaloderm® (2.3±0.483). Ease of application of Kaloderm® (7.40±0.516) was easier than Xe-derma® (6.36±0.343). Ease of wound monitoring of Xe-derma® (7.77±0.856) was easier than Kaloderm® (6.25±0.720). Xe-derma® was more painless in 1 day and 3 days after operation than Kaloderm®. CONCLUSION: Advantageous properties of Xe-derma® are improving wound healing, reducing pain by contact to the wound immediately after application and easy of wound monitoring due to its transparency. Therefore, we expected Xe-derma® can be used for management of various wound.

Effect of an Ibuprofen Releasing Dressing (Biatain Ibu®) on Skin Graft Donor Site Wound Pain

PURPOSE: The purpose of management of split thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site is to promote healing process and minimize pain and infection. There are many dressing materials for managing donor site. The study aimed to compare the effect on management of donor site between Biatain Ibu® (polyurethane foam with incorporated ibuprofen) and Mepilex® (polyurethane foam coated with silicone). Especially, we focused on manage of donor site pain and treatment satisfaction. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 30 patients underwent STSG from January 2015 to June 2015. The grafts harvested with a same manner and the donor sites were managed with Biatain Ibu® or Mepilex®. Donor site pain, treatment satisfaction, days for re-epithelization and complication were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All of 30 patients were well healed and there was no complications. Pain level of Biatain Ibu® (2.32±0.929) was lower than Mepilex® (4.77±1.224). Treatment satisfaction of Biatain Ibu® (8.40±0.632) was higher than Mepilex® (7.33±0.487). There is no statistically differences (P=0.455) in the days for re-eopithelization between Biatain Ibu® (14.73±0.789) and Mepilex® (14.53±0.639). CONCLUSION: The Biatain Ibu® dressing represents a valuable alternative in the management of STSG donor site by providing an appropriate wound healing, reduction of pain and improving treatment satisfaction.

Comparison of Inofoam(R) and Medifoam(R) for Donor Site Dressing after Split Thickness Skin Graft in Burn Patients

PURPOSE: Inofoam(R) is a hydrocellular material developed recently for wound dressing. In the present study, the efficacy of Inofoam(R) for donor site dressing after split thickness skin graft (STSG) was evaluated and compared with that of Medifoam(R). METHODS: The study was conducted on 15 patients with third degree of burn underwent STSG from Nov. 2011 to Feb. 2012. Donor sites were divided into groups of Inofoam(R) and Medifoam(R). The duration of wound healing, pain score and exudate absorption ratio were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The duration of wound healing time was 10.7+/-2.2 days in Inofoam(R) group, 10.5+/-2.0 days in Medifoam(R) group (P>0.05). On postoperative 1 day, the exudate absorption ratio in was 341.6+/-59.3% in Inofoam(R) group and 349.0+/-41.8% in Medifoam(R) group. There were no significant differences in wound healing duration, swelling ratio, and pain score between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the efficacy of a recently used polyurethane foam Inofoam(R) for donor site dressing is as effective as that of Medifoam(R).

A Case of Basal Cell Carcinoma of External Auditory Canal

Malignant tumor originated from external auditory canal (EAC) is very rare with an annual incidence of around 1 per million. Pathologically, squamous cell carcinoma is incidentally most common, and adenoid cystic carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma follow in decreasing order. Due to the rarity of malignant tumor of EAC, there is no widely accepted treatment modality yet. But basal cell carcinoma, known to be less aggressive tumor, can be removed with a minimal safety margin and have better treatment results. Recently we experienced a case of basal cell carcinoma in the EAC, confined in the cartilaginous portion of EAC, presenting with intermittent otorrhea for several years. The patient was treated with a sleeve resection of the EAC with a safety margin reconstructed with a split-thickness skin graft. No tumor recurrence or complication was noted in the first postoperative year.

Management of Split Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: Comparison of Different Dressing Materials

PURPOSE: The purpose of management of the donor is to maintain a moist condition that promotes healing process and prevents pain, infection. We have performed a prospective study to compare the usefulness between Aquacel Ag(R) and Mepitel(R). METHODS: 36 consecutive patients, in whom STSG was performed, were included into the study. STSG are harvested as a usual manner and the donor site are dressed with Aquacel Ag(R) or Mepitel(R), alternatively. The usefulness are compared with re-epithelialization, pain, frequency to change the second dressing, and ease of application. RESULTS: There are no differences in the days of re-epithelialization, pain perception of patients, but significantly differences in frequency to change the second dressing, and ease of application. Aquacel Ag(R) is better than Mepitel(R). CONCLUSION: We concluded that Aquacel Ag(R) dressing is better than Mepitel(R) for STSG donor site just in the frequency to change the second dressing and ease of application.

Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated with a Split Thickness Skin Graft after Wide Excision / 대한피부과학회지

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, relapsing suppurative disease of the apocrine sweat glands that principally affects the axillary and anogenital regions. The etiology of this disorder remains unknown. As conservative treatment usually does not prevent recurrence, surgical treatment is the method of choice, particularly for advanced case. We report a 25-year-old male patient who presented with a 7-year history of abscesses with foul-smelling discharge from his axilla. After failed medical therapy, he was referred for surgery. We performed a wide excision of the axilla with a split thickness skin graft after 1 week. The patient has been doing well, and there has been no relapse for about ayear after the operation.

Treatment of Complex Open Wounds Using AlloDerm(R) in Hand and Foot

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the reconstruction of complicated open wounds with exposure of the bone, periosteum, or tendon using AlloDerm(R) and skin graft in hand and foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases of hand and 4 cases of foot were treated with combined AlloDerm(R) graft and split thickness skin graft in a single stage for managing the soft tissue defect of extremities where bone, periosteum, or tendon were exposed but flap operation was not feasible. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 30 months (range: 14-48 month). Postoperatively, we assessed graft taking rate, wound healing process, and the recovery of motion of hand and foot. RESULTS: AlloDerm(R) and skin graft were readily assimilated into the wound in all cases. The mean postoperative range of motions of the 5 fingers with exposed digital tendons were 89.2% of the normal side. Reconstructions of wound in the foot were successfully settled without unstable scar or ulcer in all cases. CONCLUSION: Composite grafting with AlloDerm(R) and autologous skin graft for reconstruction of complex open wound in hand and foot where deep structures are exposed provides stable reconstruction of the wound with high taking rate, successful recovery of tendon gliding motion by preventing adhesion.

A Case of Recalcitrant Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated with Secondary Healing and a Split Thickness Skin Graft after Exteriorization / 대한피부과학회지

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing disease that involves the apocrine gland-bearing skin. It results in sinus tract formation, fibrosis and scarring. Many different treatments for HS have been reported, including topical and systemic antibiotics, intralesional steroids, systemic retinoids, hormonal therapies and immnunosuppressive agents, but they all have limited beneficial effects. Surgical treatments, including wide exteriorization with secondary intention, a skin graft and a flap can be effective treatments for recalcitrant HS. We present here the case of a 26-year-old man with recurred inguinal and axillary HS, and this was treated with secondary healing and a split thickness skin graft after exteriorization. Based on our experience, it is suggested that secondary healing and a split thickness skin graft after exteriorization are effective for recalcitrant HS with multiple interconnected tracts and abscesses.

Application of artificial dermis(terudermis.) and split thickness skin graft on the donor site of radial forearm flap

Split-thickness Skin Graft on the Face from the Medial Arm Skin

PURPOSE: Full-thickness skin grafts are usually used in facial reconstruction, but on occasion, split-thickness skin graft is also used from the scalp due to the limitation of donor site. However, there were complications, such as alopecia, folliculitis and blood loss. In addition, it can not be used in patients with baldness. Under the circumstances, we used medial arm skin as split-thickness skin graft donor site in lieu of scalp. We investigated the efficacy of the medial arm skin as a donor site of facial skin graft in comparison with scalp. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, the split-thicknesss skin grafts were performed using the medial arm skin in 10 patients and the scalp in 10 patients. We inspected the skin color match, texture match by the visual analogue scale. Scar contracture was estimated by the Visitrak grade(R)(Smith & Nephew). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: There was a more satisfaction in color match, texture, and scar contracture in medial arm skin than in scalp. CONCLUSION: According to these results, medial arm skin may be used efficiently as an alternative donor site of scalp in the facial reconstruction.

Split-thickness Skin Graft on the Face from the Medial Arm Skin

PURPOSE: Full-thickness skin grafts are usually used in facial reconstruction, but on occasion, split-thickness skin graft is also used from the scalp due to the limitation of donor site. However, there were complications, such as alopecia, folliculitis and blood loss. In addition, it can not be used in patients with baldness. Under the circumstances, we used medial arm skin as split-thickness skin graft donor site in lieu of scalp. We investigated the efficacy of the medial arm skin as a donor site of facial skin graft in comparison with scalp. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, the split-thicknesss skin grafts were performed using the medial arm skin in 10 patients and the scalp in 10 patients. We inspected the skin color match, texture match by the visual analogue scale. Scar contracture was estimated by the Visitrak grade(R)(Smith & Nephew). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: There was a more satisfaction in color match, texture, and scar contracture in medial arm skin than in scalp. CONCLUSION: According to these results, medial arm skin may be used efficiently as an alternative donor site of scalp in the facial reconstruction.

A Case of Pilomatrixoma after Split Thickness Skin Graft

PURPOSE: Pilomatrixoma is a benign, usually asymptomatic tumor. It presents clinically as a solitary superficial subcutaneous nodule measuring between 0.5 cm and 5 cm in diameter on the head or upper extremeties and has not been reported after skin graft. The objective of this article is to report our experience in treating pilomatrixoma which occurred after split thickness skin graft on the lower extremity. METHODS: A 56-year-old female was treated in August 2005 with a 0.5 X 0.5 cm firm subcutaneous nodule at recipient site of split thickness skin graft on the left medial thigh. The tumor was successfully removed by complete excision and histologic examination was followed. RESULTS: The diagnosis was pilomatrixoma which was characterized by a dual population of proliferating basophilic cells and diagnostic shadow cells. CONCLUSION: The tumor was successfully treated by complete resection. The authors report this very rare case of pilomatrixoma which occurred at recipient site of split thickness skin graft.

Dressing Materials in the STSG Donor Site Management: A Comparative Study

Split-thickness skin graft is a frequent, necessary method of treatment in burn patients. After harvesting a split thickness skin graft, there is a variety of options in the post-operative management of the donor site created. Dressing materials provide an occlusive and wet environment and aids in superior wound healing. Of the commercially available dressing materials, Medifoam(R), Allevin(R) and Polymem(R) are the most commonly used materials during the early phases of epithelization. Medifoam-B(R) is a more absorbant dressing material compared to other dressing materials. Its swelling ratio is 1200% and it contains a layer of wound promoters and antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to compare medifoam-B(R), Allevyn(R) and Polymem(R) in the healing time, infection rate, absorption ratio and pain degree. This study is based on 30 patient who underwent split-thickness skin graft in Hanil General Hospital from March 2002 to July 2002. All skin grafts were harvested with an electric dermatome, with a thickness depth of 0.012 to 0.016 inches. Three divisions of each donor site was managed separately with each different materials through postoperative days 0 to 1. Absorption property, infection rate, pain degree, time to complete epithelization were assessed. Medifoam-B(R) performed superior to Allevyn(R), Polymem(R). In conclusion, We suggest Medifoam-B(R) as a useful alternative in the management of the split-thickness donor site wound in the early phases.

Treatment of Penile Vaselinoma Using Thick Split Thickness Skin Graft

The problems of foreign body injection such as vaseline, paraffine, mineral oil for penile augmentation done by illegal medical practitioners are tissue inflammation, necrosis, granuloma formation, deformity and erectile dysfunction. The treatment of these complication are composed of foreign body removal and resurfacing of denuded penis. Many resurfacing procedures are introduced such as split thickness skin graft, flap-to-graft conversion method, scrotal flap, groin flap and free flap. Skin graft is the simplest method with minimal donor site morbidity, but there are some complications like scar contracture, hypertrophic scar and difficulty of erection. Thick split thickness skin graft can prevent these complications. We measured the length, circumference and surveyed erectile function with International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF) after long-term follow up. Increase in mean length and circumference at erection are 43% and 36%, respectively, compared to resting, and the survey with IIEF had a better result than that of normal control group. We found preserved erectile function without scar contracture and hypertrophic scar. Thick split thickness skin graft is the good method for treatment of penile vaselinoma with simplicity, minor donor site morbidity and preservation of erectile function.

Correction of Postburn Neck Scar Contracture Using Thick Split Thickness Skin Graft

Hypertrophic scar contracture is an unfavorable and critical phenomenon in deep second or more serious degree burn patients, particularly when these hypertrophic scar contractures involve face, neck, upper extremities, lower extremities and perineal area. In the neck, preservation of contour of cervicomental angle and good range of motion is important in deeply burned patients. Traditionally cutaneous free flap or full thickness skin graft were used to restore this skin defects after release of scar contracture. Using one large piece of thick skin graft for covering the defect of neck is important key point. We applied thick split thickness skin graft instead of full thickness skin graft or free flap treating these patients who had hypertrophic scar contracture of neck. We experienced 12 patients of hypertrophic scar contracture of neck treated with thick split thickness skin graft of 30/1,000 inch in thickness. All patient were followed up for one year and evaluated for ROM(Range of motion) by means of A.M.A.(American Medical Association) method. All patients restored the ROM near to normal after one year. In conclusion, thick split thickness skin graft can be easily harvested from thick thigh and allows patients to restore good range of motion of neck and contour.