Feasibility of the Use of RapiGraft and Skin Grafting in Reconstructive Surgery.
BACKGROUND
Skin grafting is a relatively simple and thus widely used procedure. However, the elastic and structural quality of grafted skin is poor. Recently, various dermal substitutes have been developed to overcome this disadvantage of split-thickness skin grafts. The present study aims to determine the feasibility of RapiGraft as a new dermal substitute.


METHODS
This prospective study included 20 patients with partial- or full-thickness skin defects; the patients were enrolled between January 2013 and March 2014. After skin defect debridement, the wound was divided into two parts by an imaginary line. Split-thickness skin grafting alone was performed on one side (group A), and RapiGraft and split-thickness skin grafting were used on the other side (group B). All patients were evaluated using photographs and self-questionnaires. The Manchester scar scale (MSS), a chromameter, and a durometer were used for the scar evaluation. The average follow-up period was 6 months.


RESULTS
The skin graft take rates were 93% in group A and 89% in group B, a non-significant difference (P=0.082). Statistically, group B had significantly lower MSS, vascularity, and pigmentation results than group A (P<0.05 for all). However, the groups did not differ significantly in pliability (P=0.155).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicates that a simultaneous application of RapiGraft and a split-thickness skin graft is safe and yields improved results. Therefore, we conclude that the use of RapiGraft along with skin grafting will be beneficial for patients requiring reconstructive surgery.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Jung Dug
JD
Yang
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
In Gook
IG
Cho
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Joon Hyun
JH
Kwon
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Jeong Woo
JW
Lee
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Kang Young
KY
Choi
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Ho Yun
HY
Chung
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Byung Chae
BC
Cho
Artificial; Cicatrix; Skin; Skin transplantation
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