Optimal use of negative pressure wound therapy for skin grafts

Abstract

Skin grafting is a technique used for transplanting human skin (i.e. epidermal and some dermal layers) from a harvest site to a recipient site. However, advancements in bioengineered matrices have also introduced alternatives to skin grafts. The method used to secure the graft, whether skin or biomatrix, is critical in reducing graft failure. During the past several years, negative pressure wound therapy using reticulated open-cell foam (NPWT/ROCF; V.A.C. ® Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has become a well-established method for bolstering grafts to recipient beds and is being used more frequently over biomatrices to help improve graft outcomes. This review will combine expert opinion with scientific evidence for the use of NPWT/ROCF over grafts.

Using negative pressure wound therapy on microskin autograft wounds

“…Wild et al [9] have reported that NPWT can promote granulation tissue growth with a 54% increase in growth rate and a higher survival rate of free skin graft. Although research on NPWT in open wounds has been carried out for years, it is mostly limited in open wounds before skin grafting [10,11]. Moreover, the comparative studies on using NPWT and conventional dressing of an open wound with microskin autografts are scarcely reported.…”

Current Treatment of Patients With Giant Trophic Ulcers

“…Fragments of the skin are taken from the rest of the body and mixed into a prepared wound bed. Subsequently, the skin is combined with the edges and fills the entire wound [5]. A lot of researches were conducted to find out the benefits of skin grafting prior to the standard methods for treating trophic ulcers on the legs.…”

Severe complications after negative pressure wound therapy in burned wounds: two case reports

“…Although there is a lack of evidence of NPWT promoting healing of burn wounds6 or chronic wounds,7 it is still widely used in burn units. Many articles have recently reported the advantages of NPWT for the treatment of burn wounds5,8 or other wounds,7,9–12 few studies have reported side effects that did occur,13,14 especially in burned patients.…”