Optimized mesh expansion of composite skin grafts in rats treated with direct current.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum autoepidermal and allodermal expansion ratio of each component of a meshed composite skin graft (MCSG) that would lead to successful healing. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as hosts of the MCSG and donors of autologous tissue. Male ACI rats were used as donors of allodermis. MCSGs with open meshed area (autoepidermal/allodermal) of 9:1/1.5:1, 9:1/3:1, 9:1/6:1, or 6:1/6:1 were applied to full-thickness skin defects and treated with a silver nylon dressing (SN) or SN with direct current (DC). Wound size, hair regrowth, and thickness of dermal layer were evaluated at 3 months. RESULTS MCSGs of 9:1/1.5:1, 9:1/3:1, and 6:1/6:1 mesh ratios healed completely within 3 months with no difference in wound size between SN dressing groups or DC-treated groups. Application of DC reduced MCSG contraction and stimulated regrowth of hair. CONCLUSION Fresh autoepidermis can be expanded 6:1 on a 6:1 allodermis or 9:1 on a 3:1 allodermis and achieve successful wound healing.

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