Outcomes of split vs full-thickness skin grafts in scalp reconstruction in outpatient local anaesthetic theatre.

Background: Surgical excision remains the cornerstone of simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of suspicious skin lesions, and the scalp is a high-risk area for skin cancers due to increased cumulative lifetime ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Due to the inelasticity of scalp skin, most excisions with predetermined margins require reconstruction with skin grafting.

Methods: A retrospective single-centre cohort study was performed of all patients undergoing outpatient local anaesthetic scalp skin excision and skin graft reconstruction in the Plastic Surgery Department at Addenbrookes Hospital over a 20-month period between 1 April 2017 and 1 January 2019. In total, 204 graft cases were collected. Graft reconstruction techniques included both full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts. Statistical analysis using Z tests were used to determine which skin grafting technique achieved better graft take.

Results: Split-thickness skin grafts had a statistically significant (P = 0.01) increased average take (90%) compared to full-thickness skin grafts (72%). Using a foam tie-over dressing on the scalp led to a statistically significant (P = 0.000036) increase in skin graft take, from 38% to 79%.

Conclusion: In skin graft reconstruction of scalp defects after skin cancer excision surgery, split skin grafts secured with foam tie-over dressings are associated with superior outcomes compared to full-thickness skin grafts or grafts secured with sutures only.