The Use of Glycerol-Preserved Skin Allograft in Conjunction with Reconstructive and Flap Surgery: Seven Years of Experience

Arman Zaharil Mat Saad; Ahmad Sukari Halim; Teng Lye Khoo

doi:10.1055/s-0030-1268208

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 2011; 27(2): 103-108
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268208

The Use of Glycerol-Preserved Skin Allograft in Conjunction with Reconstructive and Flap Surgery: Seven Years of Experience

Arman Zaharil Mat Saad¹ , Ahmad Sukari Halim¹ , Teng Lye Khoo¹

¹Reconstructive Sciences Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

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.

KEYWORDS

Glycerol-preserved allograft - skin transplantation - free flap - reconstructive surgery

Full Text

References

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Ahmad Sukari HalimF.C.C.P.

Reconstructive Sciences Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Email: ashalim@kb.usm.my