Irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) for placement of full-thickness skin grafts.
BACKGROUND
The "unsuture" technique originally reported with the use of fast-absorbing gut for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts has provided years of successful full-thickness graft placement without the need for suture removal.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to explore another option for successful graft placement and survival using irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide, Ethicon Inc, Somerville, NJ, USA), with its longer tensile strength of 7 to 10 days.


METHODS
Irradiated polyglactin 910 was used to suture the edges and place basting sutures in full-thickness skin grafts.


RESULTS
In our experience, we have found that the use of irradiated polyglactin 910 for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts provides an alternative to the "unsuture" technique with fast-absorbing gut. It provides excellent graft survival, easy workability, low inflammation, and good long-term cosmesis, without the need for suture removal.


CONCLUSIONS
Irradiated polyglactin 910 provides another option for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts without the need for suture removal.
Brackeen
Amy R
AR
Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
Wells
Michael J
MJ
Freed
Jeff M
JM
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000528:radiation effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D011098:Polyglactin 910 / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011098:Polyglactin 910