A simple alternative technique for harvesting split thickness skin grafts

AIM: To assess the use of a simple split skin graft harvesting technique, requiring only a scalpel and a swab.METHODS: During the last 8 mo, we operated on a consecutive series of 52 patients(30 males, 22 females) with a mean age of 60 years(33-80). We used the technique we present in order to cover small skin defects. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Thirty-seven patients underwent bedside surgery, 8 patients were operated on in the outpatient department and the remaining 7 had their graft harvested in the operating room. After antiseptic preparation of the donor site, the margins of the graft were drawn by the use of a surgical marker. A No 15 scalpel was used for the graft elevation, under constant traction with a moist swab.RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully without immediate complications. The patients tolerated the procedure well. The mean operative time was 15 min. Twenty-four donor sites were left to heal by secondary intention, whereas 28 were sutured with interrupted 3/0 silk sutures in order to heal by primary intention. All 24 sites that were left to heal by secondary intention healed completely in approximately 14 d. For the sites that were sutured, the sutures were removed on the 10 th postoperative day. Out of the 52 operated cases, 6 patients(11%) developed complications. In 4 patients, the split thickness skin grafts were partially lost, whereas in 2 patients the grafts were completely lost. Wound dehiscence was observed in 2 patients, which were treated with local antiseptic and antibiotic therapy.CONCLUSION: The skin graft technique described is simple, costless and effective and can be performed even on an outpatient basis, without the need for special equipment.