Our Summary

This research paper is about the best way to store skin grafts, which are pieces of skin used in surgery. Usually, extra skin grafts are kept in a refrigerator at around +4°C, wrapped in a sterile bandage that’s been wet with saline (a salt water solution). But this study looked at whether it’s better to use saline, a different solution called Hartman, or PRP (plasma that’s rich in platelets, which help your blood clot). They took 25 small pieces of skin from 12 patients during breast reduction surgery. They then divided 24 of these grafts into four groups of six, with each group stored in a different way. The remaining graft was analyzed immediately (Day 0).

They found that for the first 10 days, it didn’t matter which solution was used. However, after 20 days, the grafts stored in saline or PRP were in better condition than those stored in Hartman. Beyond 20 days, all grafts started to deteriorate. However, they noticed that the grafts stored in PRP looked better, even though there was no significant difference in their actual condition.

FAQs

  1. What are the best solutions for storing skin grafts according to the research?
  2. How long can skin grafts be preserved without significant deterioration?
  3. Did the study find any significant difference between grafts stored in PRP and other solutions after 20 days?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about skin graft surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and success of the skin graft. This may include keeping the graft site clean and protected, avoiding excessive movement or strain on the area, and following up with the doctor for any necessary follow-up appointments or care.

Suitable For

Skin graft surgery is typically recommended for patients who have experienced severe burns, extensive wounds, skin cancer removal, or other traumatic injuries that have resulted in significant skin loss. These patients may require skin graft surgery to help promote healing, reduce scarring, and improve the overall appearance and function of the affected area. Additionally, skin graft surgery may be recommended for patients who have undergone certain types of reconstructive or plastic surgery procedures, such as breast reconstruction or facial reconstruction.

Overall, skin graft surgery is most commonly recommended for patients who have a significant amount of skin loss that cannot be effectively treated through other means, such as wound care or skin substitutes. It is important for patients to discuss their individual needs and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if skin graft surgery is the best option for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before skin graft surgery:

  • Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss the need for a skin graft
  • Pre-operative tests may be conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Skin graft surgery is scheduled
  • Patient may be instructed to stop certain medications or adjust their diet before surgery

After skin graft surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications
  • Patient is given pain medication and wound care instructions
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation
  • Over the next few weeks, the patient will need to keep the graft site clean and dry
  • Patient may need physical therapy to regain mobility and strength in the affected area
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the skin graft surgery and what are the expected outcomes?
  2. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with skin graft surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How should I prepare for the surgery in terms of diet, medications, and lifestyle changes?
  6. What post-operative care will be required, such as wound care, medication, and follow-up appointments?
  7. What are the chances of the skin graft being rejected and what can be done to prevent this?
  8. Will there be any scarring or changes in skin texture/color after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to skin graft surgery that should be considered?
  10. What is the best way to store the skin grafts during the surgery and how does this impact the success of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Gokkaya A, Gorgu M, Astarci HM, Karanfil E, Kizilkan J, Dogan A. Journal: Dermatol Ther. 2020 Jan;33(1):e13178. doi: 10.1111/dth.13178. Epub 2019 Dec 9. PMID: 31782857