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Purpose To report long-term results and patient reported outcomes of staged anterior urethroplasties, and isolate risk factors for recurrence. Methods We reviewed urethroplasty database for all patients who underwent staged urethroplasty from 2000 to 2017. Follow-up included a cystoscopy 4 months after their 2nd stage to assess early success, and then annual follow-up thereafter with post-void residual and symptom assessment. Stricture characteristics, etiology and graft type were analyzed with regards to success. Results Forty-nine patients were eligible for inclusion. The median stricture length was 7 cm (3–17 cm). The early success rate demonstrated by cystoscopy at 4 months was 100%. Long-term success was 96.4% in buccal graft (BMG) only patients; however, long-term success fell considerably to 53% in patients requiring any use split thickness skin graft (STSG) in the first stage. Median follow up time was 57 months (6–240 months). On analysis, age, increased stricture length and especially the use of STSG all appeared to be associated with late recurrence. The recurrence group had longer stricture length and were more likely to be panurethral. All recurrences occurred after the initial 4-month cystoscopy with a median time to recurrence of 78 months. Conclusion Staged repairs that are amenable to BMG-only repairs have high long-term success rates. Increasing stricture length and the addition of split-thickness skin graft were associated with lower success rate in staged urethral reconstruction. Patients requiring staged repairs often experience recurrence in a very delayed fashion reinforcing the need for close, long-term follow up.

Objective In the conventional Charles' procedure for lower-limb lymphedema, full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) or flaps are the preferred treatment for areas around the knee and ankle because of the belief that FTSGs or flaps result in slighter contracture relative to split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). However, the use of FTSGs or flaps prolongs operation and increases the risk of partial graft loss; should partial graft loss occur, additional grafting is required for remnant defects to avoid significant scarring after secondary healing. The senior author (HCC) thus modified the Charles' procedure and used STSGs around the knee and ankle. The aim of this study was to elucidate the long-term outcomes of STSGs in HCC-modified Charles’ procedure, including its attendant complications, such as joint contracture, range-of-motion limitations, and the presence of hypertrophic scars. Methods Participants were patients (n = 142) who underwent HCC-modified Charles’ procedure and STSGs between 1990 and 2016 for advanced lymphedema; the follow-up was at least 3 years. We detail our modification for improving the take of STSGs in the first operation and the rehabilitation protocol. Results The active flexion of knee was >90° in 89.4% and 70°–90° in 10.6% of patients. The active plantar flexion of ankle was 30° in 90.8% and 20°–30° in 9.2% of patients. In Stiefel Grading System, 85.9% were “Excellent,” 12.0% were “Good,” 2.1% were “Fair,” and 0 were “Poor.” Conclusion STSGs in HCC-modified Charles’ procedure yield satisfactory outcomes without joint contracture. Early physiotherapy and the primary take of STSGs are crucial to good functional outcomes.

Management of extensive lower extremity soft tissue and skin loss can be a very difficult to achieve by any surgeon. There can be several associated comorbidities that need to be considered and addressed with these patients. The approach is multifactorial and requires commitment from both the surgeon as well as the patient. There are several protocols that have been formulated throughout the literature addressing soft tissue and skin coverage of the limbs. This article provides a review of the literature and describes the evaluation, harvesting, transplantation, and management of skin grafting techniques to the lower extremities.

Das Ulcus cruris stellt aufgrund des haufig chronischen Heilungsverlaufs eine therapeutische Herausforderung dar. Konservative Wundverbande sind initial die Therapie der Wahl, sind in ihrer Wirksamkeit bei therapierefraktaren Wunden jedoch limitiert. Mehrmalige mechanische Debridements mit abschliesender Spalthauttransplantation sind in diesen Fallen einfach durchzufuhrende und sichere Behandlungsmoglichkeiten zur Ulkusdeckung. Eine begleitende Therapie mit Vakuumverbanden erhoht dabei durch Forderung der Granulation, kontinuierlichen Abtransport von Sekreten- und Blutkoageln sowie verstarkten Anpressdruck auf dem Transplantat die operative Erfolgsquote. Postoperativ ist das Spalthauttransplantat bis zum vollstandigen Einwachsen nach ca. 3 Wochen taglich mit Wundverbanden zu versorgen.

Split-thickness skin grafting is widely used in the management of leg ulcers but is fraught with suboptimal take especially in less than ideal wound beds. The use of negative pressure dressing to prepare wound beds is an established practice. However, its use to improve graft survival is yet to be a common practice. We aim to compare quantitative and qualitative split thickness skin graft take in leg and foot ulcers using either traditional wound dressing or negative pressure dressing methods.Sixty-two cases were recruited for the study and assigned into two groups of 31 cases each by convenient sampling method. Group A patients had negative pressure dressings in both phases, whereas group B patients had traditional wound dressing in both phases. The percentage skin graft take for both groups, and the pattern of complications were assessed. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics for windows (version 21.0; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Student t-test was used to compare the percentage graft take, whereas Chi-square was used to compare significance of complications in both dressing methods.The negative pressure dressing showed better skin graft take with mean value of 99.2 ± 0.95% compared with traditional dressing with mean take of 89.7 ± 6.44%, which was statistically significant with a P value of0.001. The complication rate was 12.9% in the negative pressure dressing group and 96.8% in the traditional wound dressing group, showing about 7.5 times more complication in the traditional wound dressing. This is statistically significant with a P value0.001.Negative pressure dressing for split-thickness skin graft contributes significantly to improved split-thickness skin graft take with reduced complication rate as compared with conventional wound dressing method.

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.

Split-thickness skin grafting remains a fundamental treatment for patients with deep burns and other traumatic injuries. Unfortunately, the donor site wound that remains after split skin graft (SSG) harvesting may also cause problems for the patient; they can lead to discomfort and scars with a poor cosmetic outcome. Regrafting of the donor site is one of the methods described to improve donor site healing and scarring. In this report, we describe a case of a 26-year-old woman with a self-inflicted chemical burn (0.5% TBSA) who underwent split skin grafting. During surgery, only part of the donor site was regrafted with split skin graft remnants. This part healed faster and had a better scar quality at 3 months postsurgery. Nevertheless, the appearance and patients’ opinion on the regrafted part deteriorated after 12 months. With this case report, we aim to create awareness of the long-term consequences of regrafting, which may differ from short-time results. Patients expected to have poor reepithelialization potential may benefit from regrafting of the SSG on the donor site. But in healthy young individuals, timewise there would be no benefit since it can lead to an aesthetically displeasing result.

Summary:. Various types of thin flaps have been used for reconstruction in cases of complete circumferential degloving injuries of digits (Urbaniak classification class III). The omental flap has extensive, pliable, and well-vascularized tissue and helps prevent bone resorption of the distal phalange that can result from avascular necrosis. A 31-year-old right-handed man with class III left thumb injury and compartment syndrome of the left forearm was treated successfully with a free omental flap wrapped around the thumb and then covered with a tubular split-thickness skin graft. The postoperative course was good, except that the distal third of the phalange of the thumb was resected because of insufficient omentum volume transplanted to the thumb tip resulting from omental volume bias in the distal part of the thumb. Bone scintigraphy 1 year after injury showed technetium-99m accumulation in the remaining two-thirds of the distal phalange, although there was no blood supply before the reconstruction. The advantages of our treatment method are that the thickness of the reconstructed digits can be adjusted by the amount of the omental flap. Skin grafting can be simplified; and with multiple digital injuries, separated fingers can be reconstructed in a single operation by wrapping each digit with a divided omental flap. Use of the free omental flap and tubular split-thickness skin graft is a therapeutic reconstruction option for Urbaniak class III injury.

Background: Patients with massive burn areas have now a greater chance of survival thanks to improved modalities of new treatments. In some patients it is necessary to harvest multiple skin grafts from the same donor site which is restricted by the quality of the skin and the time required to recover; this procedure can take a long time and may increase the danger of bacterial contamination, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in these individuals. Platelet-rich fibrin is one of the newest autologous growth factors utilized for wound management. PRF application can significantly improve the wound's condition by supplying growth factors to the wound environment, which aid in the epithelialization process's acceleration, resulting in cost-effective wound management. This will allow multiple harvesting from the same donor site, reducing costs, hospitalization time, scars, and co-morbidities. Aim of the Work: To assess the role of PRF in accelerating wound healing in the donor site following skin grafting in burn patients.patients and Methods: This prospective, controlled, clinical trial study was done from April 2020 to April 2021 included 20 patients at the burn unit of El Demerdash Hospital Ain Shams University.Results: The current study showed that healing days in donor sites injected with PRF were lower than those of controlled areas with statistical significance. Mean epidermal thickness was lower in the control area than PRF injected areas with statistical significance.Conclusion: PRF can significantly decrease the time of donor wound healing compared to that of conventional treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:There are only few reconstructive options in men with recurrent, panurethral strictures, and diversion, perineostomy or suprapubic catheter are frequently inevitable. We ...

Split-thickness skin grafting and healing by secondary intention are the most common options for the treatment of full-thickness skin injuries. This case explores Apligraf (Organogenesis Inc., Canton, Massachusetts) as an alternative treatment for full-thickness skin injuries in the pediatric population. Apligraf, a bioengineered living cell construct, is an advanced wound care modality that is commonly used to treat chronic, nonhealing venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. This case demonstrates Apligraf as a viable, if not superior, treatment option for full-thickness skin injury.

Background Reconstruction of large auricular defects with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) is a commonly reported option, but less attention has focused on the advantages and indications of using split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) in the ear. Objective We sought to report our experience using STSG for repair of defects located on the auricular concave surfaces, highlighting the utility of choosing the adjacent hairy skin as donor site. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all Mohs micrographic defects on the auricular concave surfaces repaired with STSG obtained from the adjacent hairy skin, between January 2017 and July 2018 at our institution. Results A total of 16 patients with defects on the auricular concavities resulting from removal of non-melanoma skin cancer were reconstructed with STSG taken from the adjacent hairy skin. Only one patient experienced partial graft failure and no other complications were observed after 6-month follow-up. Conclusion Split-thickness skin grafts are suitable for reconstructing concave areas in the ear, providing good cosmetic results with a simple, cost-effective and easily reproducible technique. Choosing the adjacent hairy skin as a donor area shortens the operative and postoperative time, and allows the procedure to be performed in a single surgical field.

Objective: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is generally applied as a bolster for split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) after the graft has been secured with sutures or skin staples. In this study, NPWT was applied to secure STSGs without any sutures or staples. Surgical outcomes of using NPWT without sutures was compared with a control group. Methods: Patients with STSGs were divided into two groups: a ‘no suture’ group using only NPWT, and a control group using conventional fixings. In the no suture group, the grafts were covered with meshed wound dressing and ointment. The NPWT foam was placed over the STSG and negative pressure applied. In the control group, grafts were fixed in place using tie-over bolster, securing with fibrin glue, or NPWT after sutures. Results: A total of 30 patients with 35 graft sites participated in the study. The mean rate of graft take in the no suture group was 95.1%, compared with 93.3% in the control group, with no significant difference between them. No graft shearing occurred in the no suture group. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance, mean surgical time in the no suture group (31.5 minutes) tended to be shorter than that in the control group (55.7 minutes). Conclusion: By eliminating sutures, the operation time tended to be shorter, suturing was avoided and suture removal was not required meaning that patients could avoid the pain associated with this procedure. Furthermore, the potential for staple retention and its associated complications was avoided, making this method potentially beneficial for both medical staff and patients.

The treatment of donor sites after split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a routine operation step, and complications at the donor site due to improper operation and care are unwelcome. This study evaluates whether the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied at the STSG area promotes wound healing and improves scar development. Clinical data of 30 patients who underwent STSG operations between January 2016 and January 2017 for various reasons were retrospectively analyzed. These 30 patients received two treatments and the data were summed up in two groups: the PRP group, which was the study group, included patients who received traditional petrolatum gauze dressing with PRP gel at the donor sites. The petrolatum gauze group, which was the control group, received only petrolatum gauze care without PRP gel. The time and frequency of dressing change were comparable between the two groups, and the mean wound healing times in the PRP group and petrolatum gauze group were 13.89 ± 4.65 and 17.73 ± 5.06 days, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (

Objectives Split thickness skin graft is an essential component of release of post burn contracture of neck. There are many methods of fixation of skin grafts; however, there is lack of objective comparison between different techniques. This study has been designed to compare three commonly used techniques of split thickness skin graft fixation methods. Surgical time, advantages, cost factor and post-operative outcome have been compared amongst three techniques. Methods A randomized interventional comparative study was conducted to compare three methods of skin graft fixation in patients of 10–50 years age group, with contracture of more than 3 month duration having more than 100 cm2 skin defects after contracture release. Resurfacing of the defects after contracture release was carried out in all the groups using autologous split skin grafts. Patients were included in three groups; Group 1: tie over method, Group 2: skin stapler fixation and Group 3: Cyanoacrylate glue fixation. Results Mean duration of fixation procedure was 34 min in tie over group, in skin stapler group 7 min and in cyanoacrylate group 12 min. Mean cost of fixation material was 10.23 USD in tie-over group, 11.23 USD in stapler group and 40.06 USD in cyanoacrylate group. Mean score of pain/discomfort (visual analog score) on dressing removal in tie-over group was 3, for skin stapler group was 2.9 and that for cyanoacrylate glue group was 1.8. mean graft take was found to be 90.1% in tie-over group, 94.1% in skin stapler group & 93.8% in cyanoacrylate glue group. On logistic regression analysis, keeping all the variables constant in the groups the complications as the outcome variable, three groups are comparable. The need for regrafting remains inconclusive. Conclusions Skin stapler method for skin graft fixation was least time consuming, affordable and highly reliable when graft take success was considered. Cyanoacrylate glue fixation method was least painful and reliable in terms of graft take success though costlier than other two

Background Split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are commonly used in the reconstruction of skin defects induced by trauma or burns. Although STSGs are used to successfully treat various wound types, donor site wounds can be challenging, and complications often develop. Therefore, optimal donor site dressings are required. In this study, we introduce an evidence base for patterns in how the discharge amount decreases over time, with the goal of providing insights into the selection of dressing materials. Methods Twenty patients with burns who received STSGs harvested from the thigh between January 2016 to April 2017 were prospectively reviewed. A donor site dressing with foam was changed daily. The weight of the foam dressing was measured before and after placement on the donor site. The wound area was calculated using Visi-Trak. The mean weight of the discharge amount per unit area (g/10 cm2) was calculated. Results The mean weight of the discharge amount per unit area (g/10 cm2) decreased from 3.84 to 2.02 (P

Summary:. Achieving primary closure of lower extremity fasciotomy wounds is difficult. Surgeons are faced with the option of waiting potentially long periods of time for edema to reside, in order to attempt delayed primary closure (DPC) versus closing at an earlier time with a split thickness skin graft. DPC offers superior aesthetic outcomes than split thickness skin grafts but traditionally cannot occur until later in the clinical course once excessive edema has subsided. We present a case of a young athlete with compartment syndrome, which was managed with an alternative technique for achieving DPC: serial partial closure under tension with retention sutures and negative pressure wound therapy. The successful outcome in this single case should prompt further studies investigating the objective benefits of this novel method to achieve DPC following fasciotomy.

Skin grafts are not suitable for closing tendon- or bone-exposing wounds, which require flap surgery. Dermal regeneration templates have value for closing such wounds, but the disadvantages of the technique include implantation failures because of infection, hematoma formation, or inappropriate immobilization. Negative-pressure wound therapy was reported to increase graft acceptance in difficult wounds. This retrospective case series of 65 patients evaluated negative-pressure therapy combined with artificial dermis for the treatment of acute or chronic tendon- or bone-exposing wounds. The artificial dermis was placed after adequate wound-bed preparation, with simultaneous application of a vacuum-assisted closure system. Split-thickness skin grafting was performed after the implanted artificial dermis had become established. The overall success rate was 88.1% (59/67): 88.6% (39/44) in the chronic wounds group and 87% (20/23) in the acute-trauma group separately. The overall mean survival time of artificial dermis in success cases was 13.24 ± 7.14 days. In separately, the survival time of artificial dermis had no statistically difference in chronic wound group (13.64 ± 7.53 vs 12.60 ± 5.86. P = .943), but had significant statistical difference in acute trauma group (12.45 ± 6.44 days vs 23.33 ± 4.04 days, P = .018). Also, comorbidity of PAOD was found a strong risk factor of failure in chronic wound group (100% vs 23.1%, P

Male circumcision is a routine cultural ritual in the neonates among Igbo tribe in southeast Nigeria. Adult circumcision is not a common practice and circumcision is rarely complicated by amputation. It is a major source of distress for the patient, and a reconstructive challenge to the care giver. Use of skin graft has been described in glans resurfacing. However, it is difficult to keep the graft in place in the early post operative period. A 32 years-old man presented to us with penile amputation and urethral stenosis following circumcision by a midwife. Initial attempt at reconstruction failed before he was referred to us. We used Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) with tie-over dressing for resurfacing. Penile amputation is an uncommon complication of adult circumcision and should be left for professionals to avoid such mishap. Satisfactory outcome can be achieved by STSG if sufficient length is preserved.

[Background] Subcutaneous injection of tumescent solution, which contains local anesthetic, adrenaline, and saline, before split-thickness skin graft harvesting, shows a significant hemostatic effect. This method can reduce the initial bleeding from the donor site. The aim of this study is to assess the benefits of controlling the bleeding from donor sites by tumescent injection. A randomized, controlled trial was performed to compare the wound healing of split-thickness skin graft donor sites treated with or without tumescent injection. [Methods] This randomized, controlled trial examined donor site healing days as the main measure of outcome. postoperative pain, donor site ulceration, and scar quality were evaluated as secondary outcome measures. Patients planned for split-thickness skin graft harvest were randomly assigned to receive either pre-harvest subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic, adrenaline, and saline solution (tumescent solution) (Group 1) or post-harvest application of adrenaline solution-soaked gauze to the skin graft donor sites (Group 2). Donor sites were treated with calcium alginate dressings after graft harvesting. On the 10th postoperative day, the dressings were removed and donor site healing were measured. Follow-up evaluation of scar quality was performed 6 months after surgery. Postoperative pain was evaluated on the 1st day after operating. [Results] Forty-five patients (26 males; average age 61.8 years) completed the late follow-up evaluation (6 months postoperatively), with 26 patients in group 1 and 19 in group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the outcome measures. [Conclusion] Tumescent technique provides sufficient hemostasis in split skin graft donor sites, especially the initial bleeding just after graft harvesting, without any negative effects. Larger series should be studied to evaluate the effect in donor site wound healing.

Skin grafts generated from cultured autologous epidermal stem cells may have potential advantages when compared to traditional skin grafting. In this report, we will share our initial experience with a new technique for the treatment of difficult cutaneous wounds. Eight patients with traumatic or complex wounds underwent full-thickness skin harvesting and processing of epidermal stem cells, followed by the application of our novel management protocol. The patients were at high risk for non-healing and/or severe scar formation due to large traumatic de-gloving crush injuries, wounds from necrotizing fasciitis, or chronic wounds from osteomyelitis. We examined the percent graft success, recipient to donor size ratios, the median time to epithelialization, and two-point sensory discrimination. An international scale (The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale - POSAS) was used to evaluate wound cosmesis and included parameters such as pain, pruritus, vascularity, pigmentation, and thickness of the healing wound. In total, 10 out of 11 wounds had 100% survival of the graft, and one patient had an 80% graft take. The largest wound was 1600 cm2, and all wounds were harvested from small-donor sites, which were closed primarily. The mean wound to donor ratio was >25:1. Most wounds were fully epithelialized within 30 days. Neurologically, four out of six patients studied exhibited two-point discrimination similar to the adjacent native uninjured skin. The majority of patients reported their wounds to have limited pain or pruritus, and similar pigmentation to adjacent skin.

Split-thickness skin grafts constitute an established and widely used procedure for treating skin ulcers. However, in patients on anticoagulation therapy, wound healing abnormalities can prevent smooth epithelialization of their donor site. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of a technique to facilitate smooth wound healing through partial dimension reduction, and spared skin grafts back of donor sites with split-thickness skin grafts for patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy and investigate its usefulness. Partial dimension reduction and spared skin grafting back was performed on the donor site in 4 cases (group A), and the conventional method (moist dressing) was performed in 3 cases (group B). We compared the time to achieve complete epithelialization, the degree of pain, the frequency of dressing changes during the perioperative period, and the cosmetic results 6 months after surgery in both groups. The spared skin graft achieved good circulation. The time to achieve complete epithelialization was 3.1 weeks (2.5-4 weeks) in group A and 5.7 weeks (3-8 weeks) in group B; group A tended to experience less pain and fewer dressing changes during the perioperative period than group B. In addition, group A yielded superior cosmetic results to group B. Our technique can contribute to increasing the defense against physical stimulation in the donor site. Therefore, rapid wound healing and easy wound management can be achieved. We believe that it may be useful in split-thickness skin grafts for patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: A calcium alginate dressing (ALGINATE) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are frequently used to treat wounds which heal by secondary intention. This trial compared the healing efficacy and safety of these 2 treatments. Methods: This randomized, non-inferiority trial enrolled patients who underwent skin excision (>30 cm2), which was left open to heal by secondary intention. They received ALGINATE or NPWT by a centralized randomization. Follow-up was performed weekly until optimal granulation tissue was obtained. The primary outcome was time to obtain optimal granulation tissue for a split thickness skin graft take (non-inferiority margin: 4 days). Secondary outcomes were occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and impact of the treatments on the patient’s daily life. Results: ALGINATE and NPWT were applied to 47 and 48 patients, respectively. The mean time to optimal granulation was 19.98 days (95% CI, 17.7–22.3) with ALGINATE and 20.54 (95% CI, 17.6–23.5) with NPWT. Between group difference was −0.56 days (95% CI −4.22 to 3.10). The non-inferiority of ALGINATE versus NPWT was demonstrated. No AE related to the treatment occurred with ALGINATE versus 14 AEs with NPWT. There was no difference in the impact of the treatments on the patient’s daily life. Conclusion: This trial demonstrates that ALGINATE has a similar healing efficacy to that of NPWT and that is markedly better with regard to patient safety.

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is widely used to heal wounds resulting from trauma, burns, and chronic wounds. This study aimed to determine the true effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on patients with burn wounds requiring STSG during treatment of donor wounds. This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients who referred to the burn ward of Vasei Hospital of Sabzevar, Iran, from May 2017 to May 2018. The donor site was randomly divided into 2 groups: PRF and control (Vaseline petrolatum gauze) using Vaseline gauze. In the intervention group, the PRF gel was applied to the wound and covered with Vaseline gauze and wet dressing. Conversely, only Vaseline gauze and wet dressing were applied to the control group. Outcome evaluation was conducted using paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test, as appropriate, on days 8 and 15. The mean age of the patients was 33.10 ± 2.60 years, and 51.50% were male. The mean wound healing time in the PRF and control groups was 11.80 ± 3.51 and 16.30 ± 4.32 days, respectively ( P < .001). The PRF group showed significantly higher wound healing rates than the control group at 8 and 15 days dressing ( P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Moreover, the mean wound healing for all wound healing indices diagnosed by 2 specialists in PRF was higher than control group on days 8 and 15 ( P < .001). We found a statistically significant difference on days 8 and 15 regarding the mean pain levels between the 2 groups ( P < .001). The findings showed that PRF can significantly increase the time and rate of donor wound healing compared with conventional treatment and also reduce the severity of pain.

Crush injuries to the forefoot can result in prolonged treatment and disability and may necessitate amputation. Providing prompt and definitive treatment, including early debridement and wound coverage, is important for enabling favorable clinical outcomes and avoiding complications. Split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) offer a tension-free biologic barrier, but they need to be applied to an adequately-prepared wound bed (i.e. sufficient granulation tissue). A synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix may provide an ideal solution for promoting the formation of granulation tissue and preparing the wound bed for application of a STSG while eliminating the risks associated with biologic products. This case report investigated the use of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix as a foundation to STSG to treat an acute traumatic crush injury. Three weeks after the synthetic matrix was applied to the wound resulting from the crush injury, the wound bed was deemed to be well-granulated over the tissue void and adequately prepared for a STSG. A STSG was applied to the wound site, and after another 3 weeks (6 weeks post-application of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix), 100% take of the STSG was observed, indicating successful treatment outcome of the traumatic crush injury. The positive clinical results seen in this report suggest that the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix may offer a new treatment option for acute trauma wounds as a foundation for STSGs. Level of clinical evidence : 4

Ideal wound care for split-thickness skin graft donor sites should include dressings that promote healing, prevent complications, and are cost-effective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hydrocolloid dressing versus paraffin gauze dressing for split thickness skin grafting donor sites in terms of pain and wound healing. Methods: quasi-experimental design was conducted over period of one year for 35 patients who admitted for skin graft. The participants were recruited from one of the big teaching hospitals in Cairo at Egypt. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Bates Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) were used alongside a background/medical data sheet to collect the data. The selected two dressing material were changed for three to four times. Result it was observed that there was a gradual decrement in the Bates Wound Assessment Tool scores during 4th ,7th ,10th ,and 14th days during changing the dressing at duoderm /hydrocolloid and paraffin gauze dressing sites, But, decrement at the duoderm sites was greater and faster than paraffin gauze dressing sites with a mean and standard deviation equal to(23.34±.998, 16.20±2.03, and 13.77±1.13 versus 25.80±1.53, 23.14±2.15,and 18.85±1.61)respectively. The mean healing time for complete re –epithelialization was equal to 8.6 day ±1.08, for hydrocolloid sites versus 15.2 day± 3.02 for paraffin gauze site)respectively. Also, there were a statistical significance difference between the three durations of changing the dressing at the paraffin and duoderm sites for the same subjects with F/ratio/P value equal to( 17783.959 / .000*).As regards to pain subjects exhibited lesser pain intensity during ,7th ,10th ,and 14th days during changing duoderm dressing sites in comparison with paraffin gauze sites. Conclusion: Hydrocolloid dressing resulted in shorter healing time, faster re –epithelialization, fewer dress­ing changes and reduced pain when compared with paraffin gauze dressing. Recommendation Hydrocolloid dressing is recommended dressing for partial split thickness skin grafting donor sites. A larger randomized study is required to generalize the findings.

Tocilizumab is a biological immunosuppressive drug used in the treatment of psoriasis arthritis. It works by blocking the interleukin 6 receptor and therefor blocking the immune response caused by IL-6 which plays an important role in arthritis. Tocilizumab is commonly used in RA patients who either have experienced insufficient effect of other treatment options or who have had unacceptable side effects from previous treatment. With this case report, we would like to raise awareness of a potentially previously unheard of adverse effect of tocilizumab treatment on split thickness skin graft (STSG). We present a case of a 61-year-old man, treated with tocilizumab for severe poly-articular, erosive psoriasis arthritis. He was diagnosed with BCC on the scalp and underwent excision followed by STSG with no complications. The patient experienced graft loss after commencing tocilizumab treatment days to weeks post grafting on numerous occasions. We find this possible adverse effect of tocilizumab on skin grafts to be of great importance to report as it is not previously mentioned in any literature. We hope that this case report will increase the awareness of this possible adverse effect on STSG in patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). As the patient is dependent on arthritis symptoms to be well controlled, it is of great importance to both medical and surgical teams responsible for treatment to be able to collaborate to plan best treatment, timing, and strategy.Level of Evidence: Level V, risk / prognostic study Level of Evidence: Level V, risk / prognostic study.

Background Multiple therapeutic options exist for the treatment of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites, but there is no clear consensus among surgeons about the best option. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has rapidly gained in popularity since its invention. Recently, several miniaturized, single-patient NPWT (SP-NPWT) devices have become available. Compared with traditional NPWT devices, SP-NPWT devices are associated with equal wound healing capability and reliability, but offer several advantages. We present a series of 10 consecutive patients whose STSG donor sites were treated with a commercially available SP-NPWT device. Methods We performed a retrospective review for 10 consecutive patients who underwent STSG procedures and were treated with SP-NPWT devices. Results From 2015 to 2017, 10 consecutive patients underwent oncologic reconstruction using STSG and had their donor sites treated with SP-NPWT devices. The SP-NPWT dressing had been left in place for 2 weeks after surgery. The average donor site area measured 80 cm2 (range: 76–106 cm2). In all 10 patients, the donor sites healed uneventfully and with no complications. Conclusion Off-the-shelf, miniaturized, SP-NPWT systems appear to be at least as effective as traditional dressings for STSG donor sites and require no maintenance (skilled nursing or dressing changes). Compared with larger and less portable standard NPWT devices, SP-NPWT dressing systems provide a potential cost benefit as well as enhanced convenience and portability.

In burn patients, meshed split thickness skin grafts are commonly used on large and non-flat areas whom immobilization is difficult to achieve. The frequent mobilizations of burn patients can make the graft slip and prevent the revascularization and therefore the taking of the skin graft. In order to prevent this pitfall, we modified and adapted the tie-over dressing procedure. The giant running tie-over dressing enables large skin grafts to be applied to their wound bed and therefore helps revascularization. Some cautions are necessary in order to avoid any infection. This original and easy-to-perform procedure answers to the difficulties of large split-thickness skin grafts in burn patients.

Background: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or vacuum dressings involve the application of a controlled negative pressure on the wound. Traditionally, STSGs were fixed with bolster technique, where sutures are used to fix pressure dressings over the top of recently placed grafts. Taking it a step further in our study we applied an effective and user friendly filler material (surgical roll gauze) on very large defects. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy as an adjunctive therapy to STSG, over complex and very large wounds. Material & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Army Burn Center, Combined Military Hospital Kharian and PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi from January 2016 to June 2017. Gauze based VAC system used. Negative pressure was applied at -80 mm Hg. Evaluation was carried out to assess the performance of gauze-based NPWT. Results: Total of 63 patients, 42 males and 21 females, with mean age of 32 years SD+15 were included in the study. The wound size included in the study ranged from 12x10 cm to 88x66 cm. Mean duration of NPWT dressings was 15 days and 313 dressings were employed in total with satisfactory healing achieved in 3 to 4 VAC dressings in most of the cases. Mean duration of hospital stay was 23.92 days at which point graft uptake percentage was in the range of 90% (n=7) to 100% (n=20). Only 3.2% (n=2) cases required partial re-grafting for complete coverage of residual wounds. Conclusion: Gauze-based Negative-pressure wound therapy over split thickness skin graft is a cost-effective addition to the care and management of large and complex wounds

Background: Managing the donor site after harvesting a skin graft is a chief issue. There are various dressings available for the management of donor sites but there has not been a widely accepted method for these partial thickness grafts. Honey has been found to be useful in the treatment of wounds like burns for thousands of years, but only in recent times that a scientific explanation is available for its effectiveness. Split-thickness skin graft donor sites are comparable to partial thickness burn wounds.Methods: In this study, the effect of honey on skin graft donor sites has been evaluated. 50 patients have undergone skin grafting for various reasons have been randomized into two groups of 25 each in honey-treated group and Vaseline gauze-treated group. In the group A, who were treated with honey, 85% of the patients had nil or only moderate pain, whereas in the group B, who were treated with Vaseline gauze, 80 % had nil or mild pain. On examining the donor site on the 7th day, epithelialization has occurred in 48 patients as compared to 39 in group B. By the 10th day, all the wounds healed in group A who were treated with honey, whereas 66 % of wounds healed in Vaseline gauze-treated group. At 1-month follow-up, the results were comparable in both groups, with regard to patient satisfaction.Conclusion: Honey-impregnated gauze reduces pain and heals donor sites wounds quicker with better cosmetic result.

Objectives Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck region is a rare but lethal complication of any head and neck infection. We present a case of cervical necrotizing fasciitis secondary to peritonsillar abscess requiring a large neck debridement and bilateral mastectomies that was treated in our institution. Case report A 38-year-old male presented with a history of sore throat which progressed to right neck swelling and bilateral chest pain. Blood work was only significant for a white blood cell count of 22.0 × 10 3 /μL. Computed tomographic imaging of the neck and chest demonstrated a right peritonsillar abscess involving the right masticator space and carotid space which had dissected laterally and superficially to involve the right sternocleidomastoid and bilateral pectoralis muscles. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room for wide excision resulting in a neck debridement, right total mastectomy, and left partial mastectomy. After multiple debridements, intravenous antibiotics, and dressing changes the patient underwent split thickness skin grafting to his neck and chest wounds and was subsequently discharged from the hospital 45 days after initial presentation. Conclusions Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck demands a high index of suspicion involving a multidisciplinary team, rapid diagnostic measures and aggressive surgical and antibiotic management as the mainstay of treatment in reversing this potentially fulminant and lethal disease process. In this rare case of peritonsillar abscess resulting in cervical necrotizing fasciitis, the infection spread across cervical fascial planes onto the anterior chest wall rather than dissecting as usual to the parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal spaces or mediastinum. Extensive and potentially disfiguring debridements may be necessary to obtain negative margins with frequent reoperations until the patient is ready for reconstruction.

Introduction The optimal therapy for deep burn wounds is based on the principle of rapid necrectomy and coverage in order to achieve healing that is as scar-free as possible. The available infrastructure and the patient’s condition represent limitations. With enzymatic debridement, selective bedside debridement can now be performed, however the optimal cover after enzymatic debridement has not been elucidated to date. In this study we compare superficial dermal and deep dermal wounds, which are either covered with lactic acid membrane, piscine skin, or split-thickness skin graft. To validate our approach the healed burn wounds were examined for objective (elasticity, water content, sebum, wound healing) and subjective skin quality as part of our standard follow-up care. Methods In this study, 12 patients who had received piscine skin, lactic acid membrane, or split-thickness skin graft after enzymatic debridement were retrospectively examined objectively and subjectively for scar quality as part of follow-up care 12 months after the accident. The wound healing process was also documented. Results Acceleration of wound healing was observed with the application of piscine skin vs split-thickness skin graft or lactic acid membrane. Skin elasticity was comparable to that of split-thickness skin graft but significantly better than lactic acid membrane. The sebum production in wounds treated with piscine skin was higher compared to lactic acid membrane covered wounds. The water storage capacity in the piscine skin treated wounds was also significantly higher than in lactic acid membrane or split-thickness skin graft treated wounds. Using the POSAS score, an improvement in elasticity, thickness, pigmentation, and relief was shown in piscine skin treated wounds, as well as a reduction in pain and itching, compared to split-thickness skin graft or lactic acid membrane. Conclusions The use of intact piscine skin immediately following enzymatic debridement in burn wounds results in faster wound healing and better patient outcomes compared to split-thickness skin graft or lactic acid membrane.

Highlights: • Repeated pelvic surgery in irradiated tissue increases the risk for vaginal rupture. • We present a rare case with heavy secretion from the ruptured vagina. • Split skin grafting was used as an unusual treatment for this complication.

Background: applying split thickness graft (STSG) is as one of the reconstruction techniques and it is often conducted. Applying the technique creates superficial wound on the donor wound or it is known by donor site. The elastic bandage usage is one of the tools which is used in giving treatment to donor site as a standard operational procedure treatment at Dr. Moewardi hospital (RSDM) Surakarta. RSDM Surakarta has not had clinic test yet to compare between applying elastic bandage Leukocrepe® and Medicrepe® on wound care STSG on the thigh area. Subject and Method : The study used post-test only control group design with the total of the sample was 18 patients. The study was conducted in intermediate STSG donor wound with 0.018 inches thickness on the lateral thighs. By dividing two donor wounds, a half-sided of upper part was bandaged by applying Leukocrepe® and the other half of the lower part was bandaged by Medicrepe®. After that, epithelialization score was conducted on the seventh day. All the data then were collected and after that the data were tested by applying Wilcoxon rank test. Result: according to the study conducted to 18 patients of plastic surgery section at RSUD Dr. Moewardi during November 2016-Juni 2017, the result showed that the epithelialization chart was approximately 61.39 ± 30.05% for STSG donor wound on the lateral thighs part and it was done on the seventh day by applying Leukocrepe, meanwhile applying Medicrepe, the result was approximately 43.67 ± 30.69 %. The mean score of epithelialization applying Medicrepe® was more significant than applying Leukocrepe® and it showed that there was significantly different statistically with the score (p

Split‐thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a widely used method in reconstructive surgery, but donor site wounds (DSWs) are often slow healing and painful. This prospective study evaluated the performance of a composite wound dressing containing collagen/oxidised regenerated cellulose in the treatment of medium‐depth (0·4 mm) DSWs in 25 multi‐morbid patients with chronic leg ulcers requiring STSG. The range of patients' ages was 44–84 years (mean 71·6 years) with DSW sizes ranging between 12 and 162 cm(2) (mean 78 cm(2)). Comorbidities included anticoagulation therapy (15 patients), anaemia (11 patients), diabetes (6 patients) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ulcer colonisation (6 patients). The first dressing change was performed after 10 days. Complete reepithelialisation was observed between the 10th and 34th day (mean 17·2, median 14 days). Postoperative medium to strong bleeding occurred in only five patients (four with anticoagulation). Wound pain levels one day after harvesting were only moderate (range 0–1·5, mean 0·5, median 0·5 on a six‐item scale). No wound infection was observed during the first dressing. The composite dressing used allowed for the fast healing of medium‐depth DSWs with minimal or no postoperative pain and bleeding in older multi‐morbid patients under anticoagulation treatment.

Purpose To determine the current postoperative mobilization care practice patterns of burn surgeons after split-thickness skin grafting and to assess potential inconsistencies in management strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study of active burn surgeons was conducted with an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) comprising 7 demographic and 22 mobilization-related questions. Results Seventy-three (22%) of the 337 members of the American Burn Association mailing list consented to participate in the study, of whom 71 completed the demographic questions and 59 completed the mobilization-related questions. The majority of respondents had more than 10 years of burn care experience (68%) and practiced in an American Burn Association-verified center (70%). Standardized postoperative autograft mobilization protocols were used by 68% of respondents. Most (66%) never or rarely immobilized the upper extremity without joint involvement. When the elbow or wrist was involved, 73% always or very often immobilized. Similarly, 63% never or rarely immobilized the lower extremity without joint involvement. Most immobilized when the knee (70%) or ankle (63%) was involved. Immobilization duration was most commonly 3 or 5 days. Most respondents (71%) reported following Nedelec and colleagues' recommendation that "early postoperative ambulation protocol should be initiated immediately after lower extremity grafting," although there was practice variability. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the majority of survey respondents do not immobilize the extremities after autograft without joint involvement. When grafts cross major joints, most surgeons immobilize for 3 or 5 days. Despite some practice variability, surveyed burn surgeons' current lower extremity ambulation practices generally align with the 2012 guidelines of Nedelec et al.

Exposure of a renal transplant through the abdominal wall is a rare event. A search of the literature reveals only six documented cases which used skin autograft for coverage, with none reported since 1981, and none which used negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to prepare the recipient bed. This case report demonstrates that NPWT followed by split thickness skin graft is a reconstructive option which is feasible in patients who are at high risk for surgical complications in prolonged flap surgery.

The case report discusses split thickness skin grafting in a patient with active psoriasis. This also reports a case of a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma.

Split thickness skin graft (STSG) is a versatile procedure performed for the treatment of wounds resulting from varying pathology. This remains very useful because of its ability for quick healing and low complication rate. The surface of the foot and ankle is an area frequently affected by severe skin and soft tissue structure infections (SSTIs) whose treatment results in wounds. These infections and resultant surgical wounds are commonly seen patients with diabetes. The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate initial healing and immediate post-operative outcomes following STSG application in a diabetic population when negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was used as a bolster. Ten patients were identified, including 11 surgical wounds, who underwent STSG bolstered with NPWT from January 2016 to October 2018. Mean follow-up was 13 months (range 1-33 months) with an average time to heal of 17 days (range 14-30 days) for 11 surgical wounds averaging 57 cm2 (range 6.3 - 91 cm2). Consistent improved outcomes have been demonstrated when compared to alternative bolstering techniques available in the literature making a STSG bolstered with NPWT a powerful tool in the reconstruction of diabetic foot wounds resulting from the treatment of infection. Levels of Evidence: Level IV

A retrospective review was done for each wound (n = 223) in all patients (n = 191) who underwent Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) placement in the Wound Division at Georgetown University Hospital from January 2014 to March 2017 in order to determine the factors that significantly affect STSG take. In doing so, these factors that prove to significantly affect STSG take can be used to predict the possibility of graft failure, and, thus, determine if additional measures must be taken in order to improve the success of the skin graft. Patient medical records were examined for patient demographics, comorbidities, wound parameters, wound bed prep, post-operative dressing, 30 day graft outcomes, and 60 day graft outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of each factor, and further analysis was done to determine the association and risk of the statistically significant factors. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) for wound bed dressing after STSG placement and successful STSG outcome compared to use of bolster only for the post-surgical wound (χ2 = 4.66, p=0.0308). The odds of STSG failure in patients who underwent NPWT were approximately 80% less than those who had bolster dressing used for their post-surgical dressing (OR = 0.203). These results indicate that NPWT after skin graft placement yields a greater success rate for split-thickness skin grafts than conventional bolster dressing. In terms of comorbidities, there was also a significant association between congestive heart failure (CHF) and STSG failure (χ2 = 4.12, p=0.0422). Patients with CHF were approximately 2.55 times more likely to have their STSG fail (OR = 2.55), indicating that CHF is a good predictor of split-thickness skin graft failure. It was also found that bacterial presence and STSG failure also showed an association (χ2 = 4.66, p=0.0308), in which patients with bacterial presence on the wound prior to debridement were approximately 2.89 times more likely to have STSG failure (OR = 2.89). Although bacterial presence prior to debridement showed an association with STSG failure, bacterial presence after debridement just prior to STSG placement did not show a significant correlation with STSG failure [nf = 52 (73.2%) versus ns = 95 (62.5%), (p = 0.1150)]. These results suggest that bacterial presence may also be a good predictor of graft failure, however it is possibly the strain of bacteria, not the presence of bacteria that predominantly affects skin graft take. In order to elucidate the role that bacteria plays in the success of STSG take, further experimental analysis is warranted.

Background Donor site complications secondary to radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction can limit recovery. Optimizing hand and wrist function in the post-operative period may allow more efficient self-care and return to activities of daily living. Negative pressure wound dressings (NPD) may increase blood flow and perfusion as compared to static pressure dressings (SPD) designed to minimize shear forces during the healing period. This study aims to compare subjective and objective hand and wrist functional outcomes following RFFF reconstruction with split thickness skin grafts (STSG) in patients treated with NPD and SPD. Methods Adult patients undergoing RFFF with STSG were identified preoperatively and randomized to receive NPD or SPD following their RFFF reconstruction. NPD involved a single-use, portable device capable of applying 80 mmHg of negative pressure to the forearm donor site. SPD involved a volar splint. Dressings were left in place for seven days with subjective and objective function assessed at seven days, one month and three months postoperatively. The primary outcome was self-reported hand function as measured with the function subscale of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ). Secondary outcomes included hand and wrist strength, range of motion, sensation, scar aesthetics, and skin graft complications. Results Twenty-four patients undergoing RFFF were randomized to NPD or SPD. Patients treated with NPD had improved MHQ self-reported functional scores as compared to those treated with SPD at seven days postoperatively (P = 0.016). Flexion at seven days was improved in NPD group (P = 0.031); however, all other strength and range of motion outcomes were similar between groups. There were no differences in rates of graft complications, scar aesthetics, or sensation. Conclusions In the immediate post-operative period, NPD was associated with improved patient-reported hand and wrist function. Wound care to optimize hand and wrist function could allow for improved patient outcomes in the immediate postoperative period.

Introduction Burn care was revolutionized by critical care and excision surgeries which drastically improved the survival rates of the patients. Another cornerstone and basic surgery in all these patients is the skin grafting. Traditionally skin grafts are fixed using sutures, staplers and cyanoacrylate glue. The study was conducted to compare the efficacy and effects of fibrin sealant and cyanoacrylate glue in graft fixation and scar characteristics after skin grafting in post burn raw areas. Materials and methods The study was conducted as a retrospective comparative cohort study with prospective follow-up conducted at a tertiary burn care centre in India over a period of one year which included patients between 18–50 years who presented with post burn raw areas and underwent skin graft fixation with fibrin sealant or cyanoacrylate glue. Results Data from 40 patients were collected and analyzed in the study. Group 1 (Fibrin sealant) and group 2 (Cyanoacrylate glue) included 20 patients each. The percentage of graft take at the end of 15th post-operative day was higher in group 1 in comparison to group 2 (95 % and 90.2 % respectively). Two patients had graft failure (Mean - 26.75 %) in group 1 in comparison to five in group 2 (Mean - 38.16 %). At end of six months, on modified Vancouver scar scale in categories of pigmentation, vascularity, thickness and pliability - the subjective scorings were better in group 1 overall. Histopathological and immuno-histochemical staining showed better scar characteristics in group 1. Conclusion The use of fibrin sealant has shown better results when compared to cyanoacrylate glue in the fixation of skin grafts in post burn raw areas. The superior scores in clinical and histopathological scar characteristics in fibrin sealant group may indicate the role of Fibrin sealant in scar modulation.

The common method of external auditory canal (EAC) reconstruction is using a split thickness skin graft. We describe a case of a unique method of ear canal reconstruction using a spinning FlexHD graft. Using allograft allows a decrease in donor site morbidity and also a thicker graft for a more robust repair. A FlexHD graft was used to resurface the bony ear and a posterior meatoplasty was performed to approximate the constructed ear canal with the anterior canal skin. In the process of wound closure, a brisk bleed developed that required embolization. At a four week follow up appointment, the ear canal remained patent and the patient had no concerns.

Introduction The donor area of split thickness skin graft harvest usually takes 2–3 weeks to heal. A few studies have shown that application of minced skin grafting helps to reduce this time. The objective of this comparative study was to find the role of recruited minced skin grafting on the overall quality of healing at the split thickness skin graft donor area. Materials and methods The study included 30 patients undergoing split thickness skin graft for acute traumatic wounds. We selected two donor areas of nearly equal size on medial and lateral side of either thigh in each case. They were randomly allocated to control area and study area using an envelope technique. Minced graft was applied over the study area. Same dressing and post operative care were done for both the areas. Results In our study we found average time for complete epithelialization at control area was 28.17 +/− 5.590 days whereas it was 21.93 +/− 2.420 days in the study area. The earlier epithelialisation time of study area compared to control area was significant on statistical analysis. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) comparison at third month and one year follow up showed significant difference of scores (1 versus 0) as the scars were hypopigmented at control area and comparatively better pigmented at study area. We found visual analogue score for Pain and pruritus to be better for study area at the end of first, second and third month. Conclusion In this study we conclude that, recruited minced skin grafting to the donor site of split skin graft leads to better quality of healing in terms of early epithelialisation, better quality of scar, better pigmentation, less pain and pruritus, thus leading to improved quality of healing.

Repairing soft tissue loss in feet's anterior and middle parts has become a problem, especially for children. We observed the feasibility and clinical effects of superficial peroneal fasciocutaneous flap pedicled with terminal perforating branches of peroneal artery for repairing children's feet. Between January 2015 and December 2016, soft tissue loss in anterior and middle regions of feet were repaired using superficial peroneal fasciocutaneous flap pedicled with terminal perforating branches of peroneal artery in 8 children with a median age of 6.5 [4–9, interquartile range (IQR) = 3] years. The skin of lower leg was intact, and the soft tissue loss area was located in the anterior and middle regions of feet with a size of 5 cm × 4 cm to 11 cm × 7 cm combined with the exposure of tendons and joints in all the 8 children. On the basis of the conditions above, there were no indications of free skin grafting. Foot wounds were repaired all with the superficial peroneal fasciocutaneous flap pedicled with terminal perforating branches of peroneal artery (6 cm × 5 cm to 12 cm × 8 cm), and then the donor area was sutured to narrow the donor area followed by intermediate split thickness skin graft. The perforating branch trunk of peroneal artery was used as a rotation point (4 cm above the lateral malleolus) in 5 children and descending branch of perforating branch of peroneal artery as a rotation point (2 cm under the lateral malleolus) in 3 children. All flaps survived with primary healing in the 8 children. Postoperative median 7.5-month (3–12, IQR = 4.5) follow-up indicated that flap color and texture were fine, the appearances of donor and recipient areas were satisfactory, wearing shoes was not affected, and walking function and foot blood circulation were normal. For intractable soft tissue loss in the anterior and middle regions of children's feet, superficial peroneal fasciocutaneous flap pedicled with terminal perforating branches of peroneal artery can improve recipient area appearance and walking function because it has the characteristics of reliable blood supply and convenient rotation. It is worth using this method widely in clinics.

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.