INITIAL EXPERIENCE OF USING GRAFTAC ABSORBABLE STAPLES TO ATTACH SPLIT SKIN-GRAFTS

The GRAFTAC skin stapler with absorbable tacs has been used to attach split-skin grafts in 28 patients, under a variety of clinical situatio ns, and the outcomes studied. This knowledge has been reviewed in the light of our existing experience with the more familiar metal staple. Details of the patients and their conditions are presented, with two i llustrative ease histories, including one where both Graftac and metal staples were used. The relative costs were analysed and an attempt ma de to compare the cost-effectiveness of lacs and staples. A rationale For use of the more expensive GRAFTAC stapler is presented.