Hemostasis at skin graft donor sites: evaluation of topical agents

Blood loss from split-thickness skin graft donor sites may be significant. Various topical agents have been used to decrease this blood loss, including thrombin and epinephrine solutions of varying concentrations. We describe a K-Y jelly/epinephrine mixture that serves both as a lubricant for the dermatome and as a hemostatic agent. This mixture, in comparison with other topical agents, produces rapid hemostasis and offers the advantages of easy use, ready availability, and low cost. The blood loss savings based on this hemostatic technique is quantifiable and significant.