Negative‐pressure wound dressings to secure split‐thickness skin grafts in the perineum

Several researches have shown that negative‐pressure wound dressings can secure split‐thickness skin grafts and improve graft survival. However, in anatomically difficult body regions such as the perineum it is questionable whether these dressings have similar beneficial effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of negative‐pressure wound dressings on split‐thickness skin grafts in the perineum by comparing wound healing rate and complication rate with that of tie‐over dressings. A retrospective chart review was performed for the patients who underwent a split‐thickness skin graft to reconstruct perineal skin defects between January 2007 and December 2011. After grafting, the surgeon selected patients to receive either a negative‐pressure dressing or a tie‐over dressing. In both groups, the initial dressing was left unchanged for 5 days, then changed to conventional wet gauze dressing. Graft success was assessed 2 weeks after surgery by a single clinician. A total of 26 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 56·6 years and the mean wound size was 273·1 cm². Among them 14 received negative‐pressure dressings and 12 received tie‐over dressings. Negative‐pressure dressing group had higher graft taken rate (P = 0·036) and took shorter time to complete healing (P = 0·01) than tie‐over dressing group. The patients with negative‐pressure dressings had a higher rate of graft success and shorter time to complete healing, which has statistical significance. Negative‐pressure wound dressing can be a good option for effective management of skin grafts in the perineum.     

Health‐related quality of life and patient burden in patients with split‐thickness skin graft donor site wounds

Split‐thickness skin grafting is a common procedure to treat different kinds of wounds. This systematic, multicentre, observational, cross‐sectional study of adult patients with split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site wounds was conducted to evaluate quality of life (QoL) impairments caused by donor site wounds following split‐thickness skin grafting. Therefore, 112 patients from 12 wound centres in Germany were examined based on patient and physician questionnaires as well as a physical examination of the donor site wound. Most indications for skin grafting were postsurgical treatment (n = 51; 42.5%) and chronic wounds (n = 47; 39.2%). European QoL visual analoque scale (EQ VAS) averaged 64.7 ± 23.3, European QoL 5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) averaged 77.4 ± 30.0. Wound‐QoL (range: 0‐4) was rated 0.8 ± 0.8 post‐surgery and 0.4 ± 0.6 at the time of survey (on average 21 weeks between the time points). Compared to averaged Wound‐QoL scores of chronic wounds donor site‐related QoL impairments in split‐thickness skin‐graft patients were less pronounced. There were significant differences in patient burden immediately after surgery compared to the time of the survey, with medium effect sizes. This supports the hypothesis that faster healing of the donor site wound leads to more favourable patient‐reported outcomes.     

Use of split thickness plantar skin grafts in the treatment of hyperpigmented skin-grafted fingers and palms in previously burned patients

Palmar and finger burns are often seen in children, and are usually as a result of contact burns. Some patients with deep hand burns are treated with full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafts. Skin graft is commonly used for hand reconstruction. However, the grafted skin would be more pigmented than the adjacent skin and different from skin texture.19 patients who showed hyperpigmentation after skin graft of finger and palm were treated. They all were injured by hand burns. We performed mechanical dermabrasion of the hyperpigmentation scar and application of a split thickness skin harvested from medial aspect of plantar of foot. Patients were asked about their level of satisfaction with the procedure and scar appearance was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Also scar appearances were assessed using a Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).The grafts were completely taken in all 19 patients. The color of the graft became similar to adjacent tissue. 15 patients were very satisfied, and four patients were relatively satisfied. The average score of the patients postoperative appearance improvement was 4.5 (improved to significantly improved postoperative appearance). Average VSS score was improved from 9.53 to 2.53. There was no hypertrophic scar on plantar donor site.The technique of the split-thickness plantar skin graft after mechanical dermabrasion is simple and provided good results in both color and texture for the patients who showed hyperpigmentation after grafting.     

Reconstruction of infected and denuded scrotum and penis by combined application of negative pressure wound therapy and split‐thickness skin grafting

Trauma to the genital region and perineum can leave behind lifelong sequelae and pose significant challenges to surgeons in the restoration of functional ability and aesthetic status. Effective methods and techniques are indispensable during the treatment period. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely accepted technique that is becoming a commonplace treatment in many clinical settings. The purpose of this case report was to introduce the efficacy of the concurrent usage of NPWT and split‐thickness skin grafting (STSG) in the reconstruction of genital injuries. A man suffered a traffic accident that caused necrosis of the scrotum and penis associated with a severe infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacea. After debridement, we adopted NPWT during the postoperative dressing changes and the application of meshed STSG. The outcomes showed that combination of NPWT and split‐thickness skin grafts is safe, well‐tolerated and efficient in the reconstruction of penoscrotal defects. This could be a versatile tool for reconstruction after perineal and penoscrotal trauma.     

Comparative study on the donor site aesthetic outcome between epidermal graft and split‐thickness skin graft

Donor site aesthetic outcomes of epidermal graft (EG) vs split‐thickness skin graft (SSG) have yet to be objectively compared. Here, we evaluate donor site healing using a validated scar assessment tool and digital colorimetric technique, which compares colour in a consistent and objective manner. Ten patients (SSG (n = 5) and EG (n = 5)) were included. Donor site scarring was evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) at Week 6 and Month 3. Colorimetric measurement was performed at Weeks 3 and 6 and Month 3. The mean donor site healing time for EG was significantly shorter (EG: 4.6 days (95% c.i. 3.8‐5.3), SSG: 16.8 days (95% c.i. 13.3‐20.1) (P = 0.003)). The VSS scores of the EG donor site were lower at Week 6 and Month 3(P < 0.001). The colour match between the donor site and surrounding skin for EG was better compared with SSG at all time points and was almost identical to their surrounding healthy skin at Month 3. This study is the first to objectively measure the clinical appearance of the EG donor site against SSG. EG donor site has faster healing with excellent scarring and good colour match with its surrounding normal skin at all time points compared with SSG.     

筛网状全厚皮片移植联合封闭负压引流治疗四肢皮肤缺损

目的探讨全厚皮片延期移植联合封闭负压引流(VSD)治疗四肢皮肤缺损的临床效果。方法对38例外伤性四肢皮肤缺损患者行清创+VSD术,待缺损区创面肉芽新鲜时,行筛网状全厚皮片移植并用VSD敷料覆盖,持续负压吸引,3～5 d后去除VSD敷料。结果 38例均获随访,时间3个月～2年。35例皮片一次全部成活,3例皮片边缘少许坏死伴渗液,经换药治愈;植皮区外观满意,弹性好,无瘢痕挛缩;取皮区留有线形瘢痕,无瘢痕增生、疼痛等。结论筛网状全厚皮片联合VSD延期植皮修复四肢皮肤缺损成活率高,外观满意,疗效好。     

Comparison of therapeutic effects between artificial dermis combined with autologous split‐thickness skin grafting and autologous intermediate‐thickness skin grafting alone in severely burned patients: A prospective randomised study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of artificial dermis combined with autologous split‐thickness skin grafting (STSG) compared with autologous intermediate‐thickness skin grafting (ITSG) alone in severely burned patients. Fifty‐six severely burned patients admitted to our hospital from December 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled and evenly grouped according to the random number table method [AD‐STSG group: 28 patients, receiving the treatment of artificial dermis (AD) combined with autologous STSG; ITSG group: 28 patients, receiving autologous ITSG treatment alone]. The healing time and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score of the donor area and graft area, survival rate and infection status of the autologous skin, psychological status (determined by Self‐rating Anxiety Scale and Self‐rating Depression Scale), and the activity of functional parts of all enrolled patients were included in the evaluation. General items of patients in AD‐STSG group and ITSG group, including age, sex, and degree of burn, were all comparable. A significantly shortened healing time of donor skin in AD‐STSG group was observed when compared with ITSG group (P < .05) while the recipient skin healed in the same tendency between the two groups. In addition, 21 days after the operation, AD‐STSG group presented with significantly higher survival rate of graft skin than ITSG group (P < .05) while same infection status was observed in the two groups. Significantly lower VSS scores were found in AD‐STSG group than that in ITSG group 3‐, 6‐ and 10‐months after operation (P < .05). Statistical difference regarding psychological status of patients from two groups was unobservable before operation while significantly lower Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were found in AD‐STSG group than that in ITSG group 3‐, 6‐ and 10‐months after operation (P < .05). Also, AD‐STSG group presented improved mobility of functional part than that in ITSG group 10‐months after operation without statistical difference (P = .051). Artificial dermis combined with autologous split‐thickness skin grafting showed better therapeutic outcomes for the treatment of severely burned patients than autologous intermediate‐thickness skin grafting in terms of graft healing time, scar formation, psychological recovery, and perhaps in functional reconstruction.     

Use of disposable negative pressure wound therapy on split‐thickness skin graft recipient sites for peripheral arterial disease foot wounds: A case report

Split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) helps to promote healing of wounds by providing a viable soft tissue cover. However, the success of which is influenced by how well it takes to the recipient site. Studies have demonstrated that negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an excellent modality to promote graft survival. Technological advancements have made possible the invention of disposable, ultraportable, and mechanically operated versions for improved user experience. Alas, little has been discussed about their benefits on STSG. Therefore, the purpose of this case report is to highlight the effective use of disposable NPWT on freshly applied STSG. We report here a novel use of the disposable NPWT (SNAP therapy system) for STSG recipient sites in two patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) foot wounds. In both patients, there was 100% STSG uptake, and the lightweight disposable NPWT system makes for a more cost‐effective and comfortable experience for patients. Disposable NPWT may be a feasible alternative to conventional NPWT to aid with STSG uptake for PAD foot wound recipient sites.     

足底内侧皮瓣的应用解剖及修复足跟组织缺损的临床应用

目的 报道带神经血管蒂足底内侧皮瓣的解剖特点及修复足跟缺损的应用效果.方法 10具成年人体标本(20侧下肢),解剖观测其足底内侧动脉起源、分支、走行和分布以及该皮瓣的支配神经情况.临床应用带神经血管蒂足底内侧皮瓣修复同侧及对侧足跟皮肤缺损8例,供区植皮.结果 足底内侧动脉深支平均长度(8.9±0.2)cm,3～5条皮支.足底内侧神经的分支5～8支.它包含分布足底皮肤直接皮支3～5支和分布足趾皮肤的趾底固有神经2～4支.8例共用8个皮瓣.皮瓣大小为4 cm×3 cm～5 cm×6 cm,6例带蒂转移修复,2例游离移植.8个皮瓣完全成活,所有病例获随访1个月～1年,皮瓣功能、外形良好.结论 足底内侧皮瓣解剖变异少,血供可靠,不牺牲主要血管,转移后能恢复较好的感觉,是修复足跟皮肤缺损的理想皮瓣     

应用L-形皮瓣即时闭合全厚皮片供区创面

为了探求一种更为合理的全厚皮片移植方法，我们在按形切取全厚皮片后应用Ｌ－形皮瓣转移即时闭合供区创面４７例，取得满意效果。该术式改变了既往梭形切取全厚皮片、直线拉拢缝合的传统方法，而按照受区创面的形状、大小在供区适当的方位切取相应形状、大小的全厚皮片；同时灵活应用Ｌ－形皮瓣转移，将张力小的周边组织转至创面，从而即时闭合供区创面。这不仅节约了组织量，增加了切取量；而且操作简单、转移灵活。由于张力较小，术后切口瘢痕不显著。从而也改进了全厚皮片的切取方法。     

An evaluation of five different dressing materials on split‐thickness skin graft donor site and full‐thickness cutaneous wounds: an experimental study

The objective of this study was to investigate the healing effect of five different products on split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites and full‐thickness cutaneous wounds (FTCWs) using an occlusive dressing model. Six groups were included: 1 control and 5 experimental groups, with a total of 24 rats, using an occlusive dressing model. STSG donor sites and FTCWs were established in two separate areas, to the right and left on the animals' backs. Wound sites were dressed with one of the following materials: fine mesh gauze, microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH), clinoptilolite, alginate, hydrogel or biosynthetic wound dressing (Biobran^®). These materials were compared in terms of healing rate, healing quality and histopathological findings. Occlusive dressings were applied to each wound on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14. Area measurements were taken using images of each dressing. The alginate and clinoptilolite groups gave the best healing rate results for both STSG donor sites (P = 0·003) and FTCWs (P = 0·003). MPH came third in each group. The alginate group produced better results in terms of healing quality criteria, followed by hydrogel, MPH, clinoptilolite and Biobran^®, in that order. Statistically significant results were obtained in all groups compared to the control group (P < 0·0007). Rapid and good healing quality for both the STSG donor sites and FTCWs were obtained with alginate. Healing with clinoptilolite and MPH was rapid, but poor quality, while slower but good healing quality was obtained with hydrogel. Slower and worse quality healing was obtained with Biobran^®.     

Retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes in subjects with split‐thickness skin graft: comparing V.A.C.® therapy and conventional therapy in foot and ankle reconstructive surgeries

This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open cell foam (NPWT/ROCF) as delivered by Vacuum‐Assisted Therapy^® (V.A.C.^® Therapy, KCI Licensing Inc., San Antonio, TX) to non‐NPWT/ROCF conventional therapy (CT) in split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) survival in all patients to determine whether NPWT/ROCF affects the outcome of the graft survival, in terms of overall graft take, duration of graft take, repeated grafts and complications. The authors conducted a 10‐year retrospective review of 142 patients admitted to a level I trauma centre and treated with an STSG in foot and ankle reconstructive surgeries. Demographic data, wound etiology, dressing type used, time to graft take, NPWT/ROCF duration, complications and outpatient treatments were analysed. There were significantly fewer repeated STSGs required in the NPWT/ROCF group compared to CT [n = 3 (3·5%) versus n = 9 (16%); P = 0·006]. In assessing safety, there were fewer complications in graft failure (seroma, hematoma and infection) in the NPWT/ROCF group as compared to the CT group at 8·9 months (range: 1–12 months). NPWT/ROCF is an excellent alternative for securing an STSG and is associated with improved graft survival as measured by a reduction in the number of repeated STSGs and graft failure complications.     

Correction of hyperpigmented palmar grafts with full-thickness skin grafts from the lateral aspect of the foot

Abstract

The palmar surface of the hand possesses special features when compared with the hair-bearing parts of the body. The same quality of skin has to be used in reconstruction of the palmar skin defects to restore normal function. The lateral aspect of the foot has similar features with the palmar region histologically and can be used for palmar reconstruction. Seventeen patients who had hyperpigmentation after skin graft in the palmar region were treated. Scar contracture was combined in seven patients. The hyperpigmented grafts were excised and then the defects were full-thickness skin grafted from the lateral aspect of the foot. The mean follow-up period was 13.7 (4–22) months. Engraftment was successful in 16 patients, but one failed due to haematoma. The colour of the graft was initially reddish, and then became similar to the palmar area. The donor site healed without any problem within 3 weeks. At follow-up these grafts had good colour and texture match with adjacent palmar skin. There was no hyperpigmentation. Minimal marginal scarring and scar hypertrophy occurred in four patients (24%). The skin of the lateral aspect of the foot is a good choice for palmar skin defects, because of the similarities in their characteristics. Results are acceptable in terms of minimal recurrence of scar contracture, no hyperpigmentation, adequate colour and texture match, and minimal marginal scarring and scar hypertrophy.     

小腿内侧胫后动脉皮瓣的临床应用

临床应用以胫后动脉为主轴的小腿内侧皮瓣15例,分别以岛状移转,交腿移转和吻合血管的游离移植等方式,修复四肢软组织缺损,取得满意疗效。文中介绍和讨论了该皮瓣的手术适应证、设计和操作方法。     

吻合血管的逆行供血胸脐皮瓣修复小腿创面

目的 解决小腿创伤后胫前或胫后主要血管之一长段受损栓塞,同时小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损、胫骨外露的创面修复问题。方法 临床收治15例小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损,胫骨外露病人,其中11例有胫前或胫后血管长段受损栓塞。采取以小腿远端胫前或胫后血管远端与腹壁下血管吻合的胸脐皮瓣移植修复创面。结果 15例病人移植皮瓣全部成活,皮瓣色泽、质地良好,创面完全修复。结论 只要小腿胫前或胫后主要血管之一正常,受损血管远端正常,逆行供血良好,即可采用本法。其优点为在小腿清创的同时解剖出受区血管,不影响患肢血供,不需牺牲健肢血管,不需强迫体位固定;在小腿下段肌肉少,血管位置浅,容易解剖,吻合血管方便;修复小腿中上段创面,移植皮瓣血管蒂平直,不需翻转成角。     

小腿内侧胫后动脉皮瓣的临床应用

临床应用以胫后动脉为主轴的小腿内侧皮瓣１５例，分别以岛状移转，交腿移转和吻合血管的游离移植等方式，修复四肢软组织缺损，取得满意疗效。文中介绍和讨论了该皮瓣的手术适应证、设计和操作方法。     

筋膜皮下组织瓣加植皮术修复足部创面

目的：探讨小腿逆行筋膜皮下组织瓣加植皮术修复足部创面的应用情况。方法：应用小腿逆行筋膜皮下组织瓣加植皮术修复13例足部创面缺损,筋膜皮下组织瓣面积为12cm×7cm～8cm×4cm。结果：1例筋膜瓣边缘坏死面积1.5cm2,经换药处理后愈合,12例筋膜瓣全部成活。结论：应用小腿逆行筋膜皮下组织瓣加植皮术修复足部创面缺损,不损伤主要血管,操作方便,皮瓣成活率高,值得推广。