Irradiated Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) for Placement of Full-Thickness Skin Grafts

Abstract

The "unsuture" technique originally reported with the use of fast-absorbing gut for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts has provided years of successful full-thickness graft placement without the need for suture removal. The objective was to explore another option for successful graft placement and survival using irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide, Ethicon Inc, Somerville, NJ, USA), with its longer tensile strength of 7 to 10 days. Irradiated polyglactin 910 was used to suture the edges and place basting sutures in full-thickness skin grafts. In our experience, we have found that the use of irradiated polyglactin 910 for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts provides an alternative to the "unsuture" technique with fast-absorbing gut. It provides excellent graft survival, easy workability, low inflammation, and good long-term cosmesis, without the need for suture removal. Irradiated polyglactin 910 provides another option for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts without the need for suture removal.