The scalp as a donor site in burns

E. A. Zingaro, A. Capozzi and V. R. Pennisi
Bothin Burn Center, St Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94109.

The scalp can be used as a donor site in the extensively burned patient. A series of 21 patients in whom this procedure has been performed, including up to 12 occasions in the same patient, is reviewed. No associated complications were encountered. The technique of harvesting the split-thickness skin grafts in this area requires the use of Pitkin's syringe and Brown air dermatome. The advantages include the availability of a large donor site that is well concealed and heals rapidly. The anatomic basis of the advantageous characteristics of the scalp and the need for subgaleal injections of fluid to stabilize the scalp are reviewed. The occasionally more pressing need to use this area in the extensively burned child because of relative body surface area distributions is also noted. Excessive blood loss, hypertrophic scarring, and the need for hair transplantation have not been noted. Complete hair regrowth has been experienced in nearly all cases.