Securing meshed split-thickness skin grafts with 2-octylcyanoacrylate

Abstract

Meshed split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) secured with 2-octylcyanoacrylate (2-OCA) were compared with meshed STSGs secured by suture and bolster (S&B). The 2 techniques were compared for graft survival, foreign-body giant cell response, inflammatory response, appearance, texture, and application time. Sixteen 2.5 × 2.5 cm meshed STSGs were harvested from the dorsa of 2 pigs for a total of 32 grafts. On each pig 8 grafts were sprayed with 2-OCA, and the other 8 were secured with S&B. Evaluations were performed on postoperative days 14, 24, 48, and 56. Biopsy specimens were obtained on postoperative days 14 and 56. There were no significant differences in percent survival, foreign-body giant cell response, inflammatory response, and appearance between control and study grafts. The average time to apply the 2-OCA onto a graft was 3 seconds, compared with 8 minutes for S&B application. 2-OCA provides a quick and reliable means of securing meshed STSGs and would be especially useful in areas where it is difficult to use S&B, such as total maxillectomy defects.