Autologous suction blister grafting for chronic leg ulcers.

Background: Non-healing leg ulcers represent a treatment problem.

Objective: Investigate grafting of autologous suction blister roofs as treatment.

Methods: Twenty-nine chronic, non-healing leg ulcers of various aetiologies in 18 inpatients were treated by autologous epidermal grafting using the roofs of suction blisters.

Results: 55% of ulcers completely healed 2 to 6 weeks after grafting. A 50-90% reduction in size was documented in 34% and no change was observed in 11% of ulcers. Twelve weeks after grafting, 89% of ulcers were healed completely. In most ulcers, we observed a stimulation of reepithelialization from the wound edge ('edge effect') and an accelerated formation of healthy granulation tissue. During a follow-up period of 12 months, 90% of the ulcers remained healed.

Conclusion: Grafting of autologous suction blister roofs is an effective treatment option for non-healing leg ulcers. The advantages of the method are its lack of pain, low costs and immediate availability.