Skin Grafts Associated with Platelet Rich Plasma and Surgical Sponge - Literature Review

Skin graft is one of the techniques used to reconstruct surgical wounds. The graft is composed of epidermal and dermal segments that are completely removed from the donor region and transferred to the recipient bed. After its implantation it’s recommended to make compressive dressing in the receiver bed. Since the grafts do not have a vascular pedicle, it’s important to make the compressive dressing to improve graft contact with the wound and allow adequate angiogenesis. The compressive dressing is made with a sponge or foam, which offers adequate protection and reduces the discomfort of the patient in the postoperative period. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the objective of several studies associated with the reduction of postoperative surgical complications, especially necrosis. This product is a result of the centrifugation of the patient’s blood that promotes the separation of its constituents and allows the extraction of plasma with higher concentration of platelets. PRP improves the tissue healing process by releasing biological mediators and growth factors at the site of application. Researches on platelet-rich plasma used in reconstructive surgery are important because this product has therapeutic characteristics to promote healing. When it’s used in skin grafts, platelet-rich plasma is able to improve graft integration in the recipient bed, and reduce necrosis after the surgical procedure. The use of postoperative surgical sponges associated with platelet-rich plasma is indicated to improve the healing of the graft and to avoid its displacement of the recipient bed.