Our Summary

This study looked at how well oxygen can pass through different types of skin scaffolds, which are materials used to support new skin growth in procedures like grafting. The researchers specifically studied skin scaffolds that are available in Turkey. They created a closed system to measure how much oxygen could pass through the scaffolds, using a color change that happens when iron reacts with oxygen as an indicator. Then they compared the changes in the scaffolds before and after the test using an electron microscope.

The results showed that two of the scaffolds didn’t change shape after the test, while the third one (Pelnac®) changed only a little bit. When it comes to oxygen passing through, they found that Nevelia® let 29% through, MatriDerm® let 34% through, and Pelnac® let 27% through. They also found that the oxygen could travel 1 cm through Nevelia®, 2 cm through MatriDerm®, and 0.5 cm through Pelnac®.

So, while all the scaffolds still worked as they should after the test, they concluded that MatriDerm® was the best one for use in areas without blood vessels because it allowed the most oxygen to pass through over the longest distance.

FAQs

  1. What are skin scaffolds and what is their role in skin graft surgery?
  2. How was the oxygen passage through the skin scaffolds measured in this study?
  3. Based on the study, which skin scaffold is preferred for use in areas without blood vessels and why?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing skin graft surgery to make sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the graft site clean and dry, avoiding excessive movement or pressure on the area, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring. They may also advise the patient to protect the graft site from direct sunlight and to avoid smoking, as these can hinder the healing process. Additionally, the doctor may recommend using moisturizers or topical treatments as directed to promote healing and reduce scarring.

Suitable For

Skin graft surgery is typically recommended for patients who have suffered from severe burns, traumatic injuries, skin cancer removal, or other conditions that have resulted in extensive skin loss. Skin grafts can help to promote healing, reduce scarring, and improve overall function and appearance of the skin. In some cases, skin graft surgery may also be recommended for patients with chronic wounds or ulcers that have not healed properly.

Timeline

Before skin graft surgery:

  1. Patient meets with a doctor to discuss the need for a skin graft and the procedure itself.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or to follow specific pre-operative instructions.
  4. Day of surgery, patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center and is prepared for the procedure.

After skin graft surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications or signs of infection.
  2. Pain management is provided to help with discomfort during the healing process.
  3. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or longer depending on the extent of the surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing of the graft and to remove any sutures or dressings.
  5. Physical therapy or rehabilitation may be recommended to help with mobility and function in the area of the graft.
  6. Over time, the skin graft will heal and the patient will see improvements in the appearance and function of the treated area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of skin graft procedure will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with skin graft surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after skin graft surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions?
  5. How long do skin grafts typically last?
  6. Will I need multiple skin graft procedures?
  7. What type of skin scaffold will be used in my surgery?
  8. How does the skin scaffold used in my surgery compare to other options available?
  9. Will the skin scaffold used in my surgery affect the healing process or the final outcome?
  10. Are there any specific factors that may impact the success of the skin graft surgery in my case?

Reference

Authors: Yasti AÇ, Çolak B, Özcan F, Kismet K, Sürel AA, Akgün AE, Akin M. Journal: Burns. 2023 Nov;49(7):1654-1662. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.05.015. Epub 2023 May 22. PMID: 37280139