From the Guidelines
The healing of the donor site for a split thickness skin graft is accelerated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF plays a crucial role in wound healing by stimulating epithelial cell proliferation and migration, which are essential processes for re-epithelialization of the donor site. When applied topically to the donor site, EGF binds to receptors on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, activating cellular pathways that enhance cell division and movement across the wound bed. This accelerates the formation of new epithelium, reducing the time needed for complete healing. The donor site, which is essentially a partial thickness wound, particularly benefits from EGF's ability to promote rapid epithelialization from the remaining dermal appendages. While other growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and recombinant human growth hormone also contribute to wound healing in various ways, EGF has shown specific efficacy in accelerating the healing of superficial wounds such as split thickness skin graft donor sites, as supported by studies such as 1.
Some key points to consider:
- EGF has been shown to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and migration, which are essential for wound healing 1.
- The application of EGF to the donor site can accelerate the formation of new epithelium, reducing the time needed for complete healing 1.
- Other growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-β, also play a role in wound healing, but EGF has shown specific efficacy in accelerating the healing of superficial wounds 1.
- The use of EGF in wound healing is supported by several studies, including a systematic review that found EGF to be effective in promoting wound healing 1.
Overall, the evidence suggests that EGF is the most effective growth factor in accelerating the healing of split thickness skin graft donor sites, due to its ability to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and migration, and its specific efficacy in promoting rapid epithelialization of superficial wounds.
From the Research
Acceleration of Donor Site Healing
The healing of the donor site for a split thickness skin graft can be accelerated by various factors, including:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) [ 2 ], which has been shown to stimulate growth of keratinocytes in vitro and promote wound healing.
- Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) [ 3 ], which has been found to promote wound healing when combined with vacuum sealing drainage.
- Topical application of EGF [ 4 ], which has been shown to facilitate re-epithelialisation in partial thickness wounds.
Growth Factors and Wound Healing
Growth factors such as EGF play a crucial role in wound healing by:
- Stimulating the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes [ 2 ]
- Promoting re-epithelialisation [ 4 ]
- Enhancing wound healing rate and histological repair effect [ 3 ]
Regrafting of Donor Site
Regrafting of the donor site with split skin graft remnants may be beneficial for patients with poor reepithelialization potential [ 5 ], but its long-term consequences and aesthetic outcomes should be carefully considered.