A simple preparation of autologous fibrin glue for skin-graft fixation.

Numerous uses of fibrin glue as a sealant, hemostatic agent, and adhesive have been reported. We developed a simple method of preparing autologous fibrin glue for skin-graft fixation. Fifty patients have undergone the autologous fibrin glue technique for trauma, burns, and difficult wounds. The mean area grafted was 237 cm2 (range 50 to 700 cm2), and grafts were typically 0.012 to 0.016 inch thick (meshed 1.5:1). A standard gauze dressing was applied to all wounds, and no sutures or staples were used. At a mean follow-up of 3.4 months (range 1 to 9 months), 45 of 50 patients had over 95 percent take, and no patient had less than 90 percent take. There were no adverse reactions or infections noted, and no patient required additional grafting. This method offers a simple, cost-effective alternative for skin-graft fixation that leads to minimized postoperative care, subjectively cleaner wounds, and high patient satisfaction.