A qualitative histological assessment of various storage conditions on short term preservation of human split skin grafts

This paper. provides a qualitative description of the histological appearan ces and changes occurring in human split skin grafts stored at 4 degrees C in various configurations over a 4-week period. During the storage time, ch anges were seen in all layers of the epidermis and dermis. The most notable early features were nuclear and cellular swelling and pleomorphism. After 7 days nuclear and cellular shrinkage, halo formation and pyknosis became e vident. The most worrying histological feature was the development of dermo -epidermal blebs. These were evident by day 7 and progressed to cleavage of , and ultimately complete separation of, the epidermis from the dermis. A comparison of these features in human split skill grafts stored as sheets or meshed 11/2:1, stored either rolled or flat, at either strictly or roug hly 4 degrees C revealed differences. We conclude that the viability of sto red skin is improved if it is stored at a uniform 4 degrees C as rolled she ets. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.