Autologous suction blister grafting for chronic leg ulcers

Background Non‐healing leg ulcers represent a treatment problem. Objective Investigate grafting of autologous suction blister roofs as treatment. Methods Twenty‐nine chronic, non‐healing leg ulcers of various aetiologies in 18 inpatients were treated by autologous epidermal grafting using the roofs of suction blisters. Results 55% of ulcers completely healed 2 to 6 weeks after grafting. A 50–90% reduction in size was documented in 34% and no change was observed in 11% of ulcers. Twelve weeks after grafting, 89% of ulcers were healed completely. In most ulcers, we observed a stimulation of reepithelialization from the wound edge (‘edge effect’) and an accelerated formation of healthy granulation tissue. During a follow‐up period of 12 months, 90% of the ulcers remained healed. Conclusion Grafting of autologous suction blister roofs is an effective treatment option for non‐healing leg ulcers. The advantages of the method are its lack of pain, low costs and immediate availability.