scholarly journals The scalp as a donor site for skin grafting in burns: retrospective study on complications

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Teresa Roodbergen ◽  
Adrianus Fredericus Petrus Maria Vloemans ◽  
Zjir Mezjda Rashaan ◽  
Jacob Cornelis Broertjes ◽  
Roelf Simon Breederveld

Abstract Background Split skin grafting (SSG) is the cornerstone in the treatment of deep burns and large skin defects. Frequently used donor sites are the thigh, abdomen and buttocks. The scalp is less common while considered as a reliable donor site. Advantages are a large surface area, rapid wound healing, cosmetically favourable results and multiple harvests from the same donor site. Complications include scab formation, chronic folliculitis and alopecia but have been recorded sporadically in previous studies. This article evaluates the complication rate of the scalp donor site in the treatment of deep burns in the Beverwijk Burn Centre. Methods A retrospective study was performed of all patients who received a skin graft from the scalp at the Beverwijk Burn Centre between January 2004 and December 2012. Data were collected from medical files of included patients, including gender, age, type of burn (scald, flame, other) and total body surface area (TBSA) burned at the time of first surgery. Postoperative variables were healing time of the donor site and incidence of complications. During follow-up, the incidence of late complications was reviewed. Results A total number of 105 grafts were analysed in 93 patients: 58 males (62 %) and 35 females (38 %), with a median age of 2 years and 3 months old. Of the patients, 30 (32 %) had flame burns and 57 (61 %) had scald burns. Eighty-seven percent of patients had a TBSA burned of 5 % or less. All donor sites healed within 14 days. No alopecia or scar hypertrophy developed at the donor sites. Two patients (2.2 %) developed folliculitis; one patient (1.1 %) showed scab formation. Conclusions The scalp as a donor site in our Burn Centre shows a comparable short-term complication rate to the previous literature, with quick healing and no long-term complications. Therefore, we propose the consideration of the scalp as a primary donor site, especially in young children, where the scalp offers a larger donor site area than the buttocks or thighs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-100
Author(s):  
John E Greenwood

After major burn injury, once survival is achieved by the immediate excision of all deep burn eschar, we are faced with a patient who is often physiologically well but with very extensive wounds. While very early grafting yields excellent results after the excision of small burns, it is not possible to achieve the same results once the wound size exceeds the available donor site. In patients where 50%–100% of the total body surface area is wound, we rely on serial skin graft harvest, from finite donor site resources, and the massive expansion of those harvested grafts to effect healing. The result is frequently disabling and dysaesthetic. Temporisation of the wounds both passively, with cadaver allograft, and actively, with dermal scaffolds, has been successfully employed to ameliorate some of the problems caused by our inability to definitively close wounds early. Recent advances in technology have demonstrated that superior functional and cosmetic outcomes can be achieved in actively temporised areas even when compared with definitive early closure with skin graft. This has several beneficial implications for both patient and surgeon, affecting the timing of definitive wound closure and creating a paradigm shift in the care of the burned patient.


Author(s):  
Tushar J. Dave ◽  
Shashirekha C. A. ◽  
Krishnaprasad K.

Background: Split-skin grafting is commonly employed for covering skin defects in case of ulcers, deep burns and following trauma. It involves harvesting of the epidermis and upper 1/3rd of dermis resulting in a wound called donor site wound (DSW). These wounds pose a kind of burden to patients during the process and after the process of wound healing. These wounds tend to cause pain, are at risk of getting infected, pruritis and cosmetic inconvenience. DSW has been managed with closed or open dressings. Out of many methods, we aim to compare the efficacy of collagen dressing with that of conventional dressing in this study.Methods: A retrospective study including 30 subjects were stratified into 2 groups; group A-collagen dressing and group B- conventional dressing. Patients aged between 18 to 60 years undergoing split thickness skin grafting were included. Patients who are immunocompromised, diabetic, with underlying skin disease and infected wounds were excluded. The outcome was compared in terms of pain, pruritis and scar assessment using Vancouver scar scale.Results: In the present study there was significant difference in median pain score, pruritus and median Vancouver scar score in collagen group compared to conventional group at all the intervals. Also, the incidence of surgical site infection was lower in the collagen dressing group.Conclusions: Collagen dressing is superior compared to conventional dressing in terms of lower pain score, pruritus score and Vancouver scar score. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-534
Author(s):  
Suk Joon Oh

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is the gold standard for coverage of acute burns and reconstructive wounds. However, the choice of the donor site for STSG varies among surgeons, and the scalp represents a relatively under-utilized donor site. Understanding the validity of potential risks will assist in optimizing wound management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted of the PubMed database to identify studies evaluating scalp skin grafting in human subjects published between January 1, 1964 and December 31, 2019. Data were collected on early and late complications at the scalp donor site. In total, 27 articles comparing scalp donor site complications were included. The selected studies included analyses of acute burn patients only (21 of 27 articles), mean total body surface area (20 of 27), age distribution (22 of 27), sex (12 of 27), ethnicity (5 of 27), tumescent technique (21 of 27), depth setting of the dermatome (24 of 27), number of harvests (20 of 27), mean days of epithelization (18 of 27), and early and late complications (27 of 27). The total rate of early complications was 3.82% (117 of 3,062 patients). The total rate of late complications was 5.19% (159 of 3,062 patients). The literature on scalp skin grafting has not yet identified an ideal surgical technique for preventing donor site complications. Although scalp skin grafting provided superior outcomes with fewer donor site complications, there continues to be a lack of standardization. The use of scalp donor sites for STSG can prevent early and late complications if proper surgical planning, procedures, and postoperative care are performed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S184-S185
Author(s):  
Eric Curfman ◽  
Anjay Khandelwal

Abstract Introduction Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy (CUA), commonly known as Calciphylaxis, is a rare disorder characterized by ischemic necrosis of the skin and histologically by arteriolar calcification. CUA is most commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but can be seen in other patients as well. CUA carries an extremely high mortality rate, with up to 80% in some studies, even in patients with limited disease. In light of this, many surgeons have adopted a “do-not-touch” practice with these patients. Over the past several years, our institution has seen an increase in referrals for the management of large total-body-surface-area (TBSA) CUA. Methods Retrospective review of all patients with biopsy-proven (by dermatopathology) large TBSA (>=5% TBSA) CUA admitted to a Verified Adult and Pediatric Burn Center from 2015 to present. Demographics, laboratory data, treatment modalities and outcomes including mortality and wound closure were recorded. Results A total of 8 patients with large TBSA CUA were admitted after being transferred from outside hospitals. Average TBSA affected was 13.76% (SD 7.27). 6 of these patients (75%) were noted to have non-uremic calciphylaxis. All patients had positive wound cultures on admission, and 1 patient (12.5%) developed a bacteremia in hospital. There were no central line associated bloodstream infections, catheter associated urinary tract infections or ventilator associated infections. All patients underwent surgical debridement (average 4.125, range 2–5), and 5 patients (62.5%) underwent grafting, (average 1.6, range 2–5) and subsequently proceeded to wound closure. In-hospital mortality was 25% and another patient was referred to a hospice facility after being readmitted with medical complications of her calciphylaxis. Secondary findings included 50% of the patients recently experienced significant weight loss (>100 lbs). On admission, 2 patients (25%) had abnormal serum calcium, 3 patients (37.5%) had abnormal serum PO4, and 4 (50%) patients had abnormal PTH levels. 2 patients (25%) had a recent exposure to warfarin (within 6 months). Conclusions Utilizing a multi-modal management strategy that includes surgical debridement and skin grafting, patients with calciphylaxis can progress to wound closure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205951312094050
Author(s):  
Lindsay A Shanks ◽  
Andrea Cronshaw ◽  
K Skaria Alexander ◽  
Jonathan A Davies ◽  
Ciaran P O’Boyle

Introduction: EpiProtect® is a biosynthetic cellulose dressing indicated for the treatment of superficial burns and the dressing of deep burns. Prior to this study the youngest reported patient treated with EpiProtect® was aged 13 years. Method: Data were collected prospectively for patients aged < 5 years, presenting to the Children’s Burns Unit with ⩾ 2% total body surface area (TBSA) burns sustained by any mechanism. Results: Thirty children were treated (median age = 17 months, age range = 1–61 months). Thirty-six burn depths were documented: superficial partial thickness (SPT) in 53% (n=19); mid-partial thickness (MPT) in 33% (n=12); deep partial thickness (DPT) in 11% (n=4); and full thickness (FT) in 3% (n=1). Median burn size was 4.5% TBSA (range = 2%–12%). EpiProtect® was applied under general anaesthesia in all cases. The median length of stay (LOS) was two days (range = 0–6 days). EpiProtect® was tolerated well and provided effective analgesia for subsequent dressing changes. Median healing time was 13 days (SPT burns), 14 days (MPT) and 24 days (DPT burns). Three patients required split skin grafting. Hypertrophic scarring arose in one patient. Discussion: This case series represents the youngest published patient group to have been treated with EpiProtect®. Authors conclude that EpiProtect® provides a safe, reliable and well-tolerated dressing option for all burn depths in young children. Importantly, EpiProtect® is culturally neutral and may be used in situations which, for cultural reasons, may preclude the use of animal-derived products. Further studies are warranted to evaluate pain scores, burn depth, size and LOS correlation, and comparative analysis between dressing types. Lay Summary Burn injuries in the paediatric population are common and often require multiple dressing changes. Dressing changes can be painful and distressing to both children and their care givers. This article describes the experience of using a synthetically derived burns dressing, called EpiProtect®, in children aged ⩽ 5 years. Thirty patients were recruited with varying depths of scald burns and all underwent application of EpiProtect® dressing. The results suggested that EpiProtect® was a user-friendly dressing that can be used to treat partial-thickness burns and to dress full-thickness (FT) burns. It was well-tolerated and provided effective analgesia at the time of dressing changes. There was no incidence of increased burn wound infection rates and all wounds healed. In addition, as EpiProtect® is a synthetic product, it has the benefit of being culturally neutral, which is advantageous in a culturally diverse population. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of this dressing and to compare it to similar dressings that are available.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namal Munasinghe ◽  
Jason Wasiak ◽  
Andrew Ives ◽  
Heather Cleland ◽  
Cheng Hean Lo

Abstract Background Autologous split skin grafting is the gold standard in treating patients with massive burns. However, the limited availability of donor sites remains a problem. The aim of this study is to present our experience with the modified Meek technique of grafting, outcomes achieved and recommendations for optimized outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patient records from our tertiary referral burn centre and the Bi-National Burns Registry to identify all patients who had modified Meek grafting between 2010 and 2013. Patient records were reviewed individually and information regarding patient demographics, mechanism of injury and surgical management was recorded. Outcome measures including graft take rate, requirement for further surgery and complications were also recorded. Results Eleven patients had modified Meek grafting procedures. The average age of patients was 46 years old (range 23 – 64). The average total body surface area (TBSA) burnt was 56.75 % (range 20–80 %). On average, 87 % of the grafted areas healed well and did not require regrafting. In the regrafted areas, infection was the leading cause of graft failure. Conclusions Modified Meek grafting is a useful method of skin expansion. Similar to any other grafting technique, infection needs to be sought and treated promptly. It is recommended for larger burns where donor sites are not adequate or where it is desirable to limit their extent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3012
Author(s):  
Dev Jyoti Sharma ◽  
Bharat Mishra ◽  
Chetna Arora

Background: Split skin grafting (SSG) is a commonly used reconstructive technique for wound cover. Donor site wounds (DSW) after split-skin graft harvesting are rather clean wounds. Depending on the thickness of the SSG, the DSW should re-epithelialize completely in 7 to 21 days. This study was initiated with a background to look for an ideal dressing for the management of DSW. Aim of the study was to compare efficacy of Cellulose acetate mesh, Collagen sheet, Hydrocolloid dressings and chlorhexidine tulle for donor site wound management after harvesting split thickness skin graft.Methods: 100 patients with 100 donor site wounds were included in the study. Patients were randomized into four different groups of 25 each, depending upon the type of dressings used to cover the wound. Data regarding time to complete wound healing and pain at the donor site were recorded on visual analogue scale (VAS). Requirement of pain killers during post-operative period were recorded. Complications like infection or hyper-granulation were also recorded.Results: The study included 72 males and 28 females. The primary objective was to observe the effectiveness of wound dressings in the treatment of DSWs and time to complete wound healing. In this context, collagen dressing was found to be the most effective in current study (p<0.07) and also the least pain was experienced by the patients where collagen dressings were used.Conclusions: The study concluded that collagen dressings was best amongst the various dressings studied with average healing time of 9 days with least pain score over DSW.


Author(s):  
Nikita Batra ◽  
Yinan Zheng ◽  
Emily C Alberto ◽  
Omar Z Ahmed ◽  
Megan Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Treadmill burns that occur from friction mechanism are a common cause of hand burns in children. These burns are deeper and more likely to require surgical intervention compared to hand burns from other mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with healing time using an initial nonoperative approach. A retrospective chart review was performed examining children (&lt;15 years) who were treated for treadmill burns to the hand between 2012 and 2019. Patient age, burn depth, total body surface area of the hand injury, and time to healing were recorded. Topical wound management strategies (silver sheet, silver cream, non-silver sheet, and non-silver cream) and associated treatment durations were determined. For patients with burns to bilateral hands, the features, treatment, and outcomes of each hand were assessed separately. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between time to healing and patient characteristics and treatment type. Seventy-seven patients with 86 hand burns (median age 3 years, range 1–11) had a median total body surface area per hand burn of 0.8% (range 0.1–1.5%). Full-thickness burns (n = 47, 54.7%) were associated with longer time to healing compared to partial-thickness burns (HR 0.28, CI 0.15–0.54, P &lt; .001). Silver sheet treatment was also associated with more rapid time to healing compared to treatment with a silver cream (HR 2.64, CI 1.01–6.89, P = .047). Most pediatric treadmill burns can be managed successfully with a nonoperative approach. More research is needed to confirm the superiority of treatment with silver sheets compared to treatment with silver creams.


Author(s):  
Xingxin Gao ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Yuan Lin ◽  
Dehui Li ◽  
Liming Zhang

Abstract Auto-skin grafting is the current treatment of choice for extensive burns. Nevertheless, the lack of donor sites for skin grafting remains one of the greatest limiting factors for the treatment of extensively burned patients. We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient with deep and full thickness burns on 91% of the total body surface area. We used the Meek technique for split-thickness skin graft expansion to treat this patient. In order to obtain sufficient skin for grafting, we repeatedly harvested the same anatomical areas. Acceleration of burn wounds, recipient, and donor site healing was achieved by systemic treatment with recombinant human growth hormone and topical recombinant human epidermal growth factors. This combined, complex treatment modality contributed to the successful skin repair in this patient.


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