title: Clinical Experience and Best Practices Using Epidermal Skin Grafts on Wounds.
abstract: Over the years, autologous skin grafting has been used extensively to achieve wound closure, optimize a functional scar, and improve aesthetic outcomes for the patient. Although a vast majority of the literature is on the use of full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts, epidermal skin grafts (ESGs) have emerged as a viable option in the reconstructive ladder when only the epidermal layer is needed. These grafts are distinct from other types of autologous skin grafts in that they can be harvested without anesthesia and leave minimal or no scarring at the donor site. In order to explore the use of ESGs in the continuum of primary wound closure, a multidisciplinary expert panel convened in October 2014, in Las Vegas, NV, to review the scientific basis and clinical uses of epidermal grafting. This publication provides an overview of epidermal grafting, recommendations for graft application, and potential roles for its use in wound care and closure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kirsner
authors.affiliation: Charcot and Reconstructive Foot Program, St. Luke's Hospital, Quakertown, PA;
authors.forename: Brent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.affiliation: Columbus Podiatry and Surgery Inc, Columbus, OH.
authors.forename: Animesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhatia
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lantis
authors.affiliation: St. John Health System, Tulsa, OK.
authors.forename: Lam
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Le
authors.affiliation: Central Texas Wound Healing Associates, Killeen, TX.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lincoln
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Los Angeles, CA.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.affiliation: Mount Nittany Center for Wound Care, State College, PA.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.affiliation: San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D064592:Autografts; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*