Comparative Study of Split Skin Graft Take After Harvesting with Tumescent and Non-Tumescent Technique

Dr Vaishnavi Valayapathi

Abstract: Background: Split thickness skin grafting is a widely employed reconstructive procedure for coverage of raw areas following trauma, burns, and surgical debridement. The success of skin grafting depends on multiple factors, including donor site characteristics, recipient bed condition, and perioperative technique. The tumescent technique, commonly practiced in liposuction, involves the infiltration of a dilute solution containing crystalloid, lignocaine, adrenaline, and sodium bicarbonate. While this technique is known to reduce blood loss and provide local anesthesia, its role in split thickness skin graft harvesting has not been widely explored. Objectives: To compare graft take and donor site healing following split thickness skin graft harvesting using tumescent and non-tumescent techniques. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted at Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, over a one-year period from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 50 patients aged 18?65 years with clean wounds prepared for grafting were included. In each patient, split thickness skin grafts were harvested using both tumescent and non-tumescent techniques, allowing direct comparison while minimizing confounding variables. Graft take was assessed on postoperative day 5, donor site healing was evaluated on day 10, and final outcomes were recorded after a follow-up period of three weeks. Results: The mean percentage graft take on day 5 was significantly higher in the tumescent technique compared to the non-tumescent technique. Donor site healing on day 10 was also superior in the tumescent group. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the two techniques for graft take and donor site healing in the early postoperative period. However, by the end of three weeks, both techniques showed comparable final outcomes. Conclusion: Harvesting split thickness skin grafts using the tumescent technique results in improved early graft take and faster donor site healing compared to the non-tumescent technique. The benefits are likely attributable to reduced blood loss, decreased hematoma or seroma formation, and the bacteriostatic properties of lignocaine. The tumescent technique represents a simple and effective modification that can enhance early outcomes in split thickness skin grafting.

Keywords: Split thickness skin graft, Tumescent technique, Non-tumescent technique, Graft take, Donor site healing, Adrenaline, Lignocaine

How to Cite?: Dr Vaishnavi Valayapathi, "Comparative Study of Split Skin Graft Take After Harvesting with Tumescent and Non-Tumescent Technique", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1256-1262, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26120091219, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26120091219