The Comparison of Thick Split-thickness Skin Graft Versus Thin Split-thickness Skin Graft

The Comparison of Thick Split-thickness Skin Graft Versus Thin Split-thickness Skin Graft in the Reconstruction of the Donor Site

In clinical settings, split-thickness skin graft (STSG) remain the gold standard for covering large skin defects. However, STSGs usually bring complications to the donor sites. The study objective was to compare the efficacy of thick split-thickness skin graft versus thin split-thickness skin graft in the reconstruction of the donor site.

All patients were randomly divided into two groups. For the patients in the thick STSG group, the surgeons harvested thick STSGs which were larger than recipient sites. The extra skin was punctured and stretched to cover the donor site (the novel technique). For the patients in the thin STSG group, the surgeons harvested thick STSGs of the size of recipient sites. Their donor sites were covered with thin STSGs which were harvested from other parts of the patients. The 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scores, pain scores, pruritus scores, scar scores and rates of complications were compared between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients had skin defects at functional sites or joint sites.
2. Patients aged 20-80 years.
3. The lateral thighs were chosen as the donor sites.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who were unable to complete the follow-up.
2. Pregnant or nursing mothers were not included.
3. Patients had an alternative source of pain other than surgical sites.
4. Patients with organ dysfunctions (heart failure, respiratory failure, liver dysfunction, renal impairment or intestinal failure), or cancers.
5. Patients with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, connective tissues disease or systemic vasculitis) were not included.
6. Patients who had medications (such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents or chemotherapy) within six months were not included.
7. Other reasons.