Microskin grafting: clinical study of its feasibility and results

Abstract

Split-thickness autografts offer the best form of wound coverage, but limited donor sites and donor site related morbidity have resulted in the search for alternatives in the form of microskin graft. Twenty-five consecutive patients with post burn, post traumatic, and post cellulitis raw area were included in this study. After appropriate preparation of recipient bed, microskin graft was applied under general/regional anaesthesia. The assessment of microskin graft was done clinically on 5th, 7th, 10th, and 14th days and until the wound healed. Percentage of microskin graft take/loss, presence of infection, and duration of wound healing were noted. Complete wound healing was considered the endpoint of the study. Late assessment was done at 3 and 6 months postoperative to assess the scar. There were 19 male and 6 female patients with mean age of 27.52 years (range 18–54 years). Mean size of wound was 337.48 cm2 (range 120–770 cm2). All wounds healed in ~ 17.28 days without the need of secondary skin grafting. There was no clinically evident infection in the grafted wounds. Overall graft survival rate was ~ 94.76%. After 2 months, homogenous scar was present but there was hypo-pigmentation in 4 cases. There was no hypertrophy or scar contracture at 6 months. Micrografting is a feasible alternative for wound coverage and a useful tool for surgeons when donor sites are limited. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.