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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:57
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
A randomized, prospective, controlled study of forearm donor site healing when using a vacuum dressing
1OSU Eye and Ear Institute, 915 Olentangy River Rd, Ste 4000, Columbus, OH 43212, USA. Eugene.chio@osumc.edu
Summary
Negative pressure dressings (NPD) do not significantly improve radial forearm free flap donor site healing compared to static pressure dressings (SPD). Graft size and comorbidities also did not impact healing outcomes in this study.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Wound Healing
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a common reconstructive technique.
- Donor site healing is crucial for patient recovery and flap success.
- Optimizing donor site management is an ongoing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of negative pressure dressing (NPD) versus static pressure dressing (SPD) for RFFF donor site healing.
- To investigate the influence of graft size and patient comorbidities on RFFF donor site healing.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 54 adult patients undergoing RFFF.
- Patients were randomized to receive either SPD or NPD at the RFFF donor site.
- Wound complications, graft failure, graft size, and comorbidities were assessed postoperatively.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in wound complication rates was observed between NPD and SPD groups at either postoperative visit.
- The percentage of graft area failure did not differ significantly between the dressing groups.
- Graft size and the presence of medical comorbidities were not significantly associated with wound complications.
Conclusions:
- Negative pressure dressing (NPD) does not offer a significant advantage over static pressure dressing (SPD) for RFFF donor site healing.
- Current evidence does not support the routine use of NPD over SPD for this specific application.
- Further research may explore alternative wound management strategies for RFFF donor sites.