Article

The use of glycerol-preserved skin allograft in conjunction with reconstructive and flap surgery: seven years of experience.

Reconstructive Sciences Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery (impact factor: 1.43). 10/2010; 27(2):103-8. DOI:10.1055/s-0030-1268208 pp.103-8
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Major reconstructive surgery may be extensive and prolonged, and it may cause edema and compromise the flap pedicle if closed under tension. Glycerol-preserved skin allograft (GPA) can provide a means for tension-free closure and temporary cover of the wound. Seven years of analysis on GPA used in conjunction with major reconstruction was undertaken to highlight its indications, results, and outcomes. Forty-seven patients were included, aged between 9 and 73 years. Majority of patients had reconstruction following tumor resection and trauma. The main indication for use of GPA was temporary, loose cover of the wound in 44% of cases; flap pedicle protection in 31% of cases; donor site wound cover in 10%; flap monitoring in one case; and management of flap-related complications in 6% of cases. Free flap reconstruction was performed in 72% of cases. In conclusion, GPA is a useful adjunct in reconstructive surgery. It can be used temporarily to allow tension-free wound closure, as well as to protect the flap pedicle until edema subsides and the pedicle becomes stable. This latter approach allows secondary wound closure and good esthetic outcome.

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17 Feb 2013

Keywords

cases
 
donor site wound
 
edema subsides
 
flap monitoring
 
flap pedicle
 
flap pedicle protection
 
flap-related complications
 
Free flap reconstruction
 
good esthetic outcome
 
GPA
 
main indication
 
major reconstruction
 
Major reconstructive surgery
 
secondary wound closure
 
tension-free closure
 
tension-free wound closure
 
tumor resection
 
useful adjunct