Securing meshed split-thickness skin grafts with 2-octylcyanoacrylate

Meshed split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) secured with 2- octylcyanoacrylate (2-OCA) were compared with meshed STSGs secured by suture and bolster (S and B). The 2 techniques were compared for graft survival, foreign-body giant cell response, inflammatory response, appearance, texture, and application time. Sixteen 2.5 x 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 and 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 and 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 and B, such as total maxillectomy defects.