Arch Plast Surg.  2019 Nov;46(6):558-565. 10.5999/aps.2018.00990.

Simultaneous two-layer harvesting of scalp split-thickness skin and dermal grafts for acute burns and postburn scar deformities

• Oh SJ

• KMID: 2465556
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.00990

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The scalp, an excellent donor site for thin skin grafts, presents a limited surface but is rich in stem cells. The purpose of this study was to test a double harvesting procedure from the scalp and to evaluate the capacity of the dermal layer.
METHODS
Two layers corresponding to a split-thickness skin graft (SSG) and a split-thickness dermal graft (SDG) were harvested from the scalp using a Zimmer dermatome during the same procedure. Healing of the scalp donor site, reason for recipient site grafting, and the percentage of graft loss were evaluated.
RESULTS
Fourteen patients, comprising six men and eight women with a mean age of 34.2 years, were treated according to our protocol. The most common reason for a recipient site graft was a postburn scar deformity (10/14 patients). The mean area of scalp SSGs was 151.8 cm². The mean area of scalp SDGs was 88.2 cm². The mean healing time of scalp donors was 9.9 days. The only donor complication was a tufted scar deformity.
CONCLUSIONS
Skin defects in the scalp of donors healed faster and led to less scarring than defects at other donor sites. Scalp SDGs needed 10 days for adequate epithelization. The scalp was the best donor site for SSGs and SDGs for burn reconstructive patients.

Keyword

Scalp; Grafts; Wound healing; Regeneration

MeSH Terms

Burns*
Cicatrix*
Congenital Abnormalities*
Female
Humans
Male
Regeneration
Scalp*
Skin*
Stem Cells
Tissue Donors
Transplants*
Wound Healing