Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2000 · 112 citations · 8 references
MedicinePlastic SurgerySurgeryAesthetic SurgeryMicrosurgeryReconstructive SurgeryHead ReconstructionScalp ReconstructionSkin Graft ReconstructionSkin GraftingSkin SurgerySkull Base ReconstructionCost Savings AnalysisHospital Stay DurationScalp Skin GraftingSingle-stage Scalp ReconstructionSkin GraftsSkull Defect ReconstructionSplit-thickness Skin Graft ReconstructionSplit-thickness Skin Grafts
Four patients are presented who suffered full-thickness loss of the scalp, exposing the skull. Removal of the outer table, immediate application of a split-thickness skin graft, and treatment with the VAC for 3 to 4 days resulted in approximately 100 percent graft take in each case without complications. When compared with the usual two-stage approach to skin grafting the exposed skull, this method spares the patient a longer hospital stay and a second operative procedure, and it results in a significant cost savings.
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