Baratoux and Dubonsquet (Progres. Med., No. 15, 1887). D. treated two
extensive wounds caused by burning, in which no attempt at cicatrization
seems to have been made, although granulation was progressing well, by
transplantation. Simultaneous auto-transplantation, and pieces of skin
from a frog’s back the size of a thumb-nail, was practiced. Most of the
latter lost their pigmented aspect after ten days, and adhered well,
taking on the natural color of the human skin. The wound where the
frog’s-skin transplantation had been performed healed more rapidly than
the other where human skin was used, the cicatrix being softer as well.
B. treated cases of ulceration of the nose, and also perforations of the
membrana tympani, successfully by transplantation of frog’s skin,
healing taking place in from one to two weeks.
In three old cases of perforation of the drum membrane, the margins were
freshened by touching them with nitrate of silver, and a piece of frog’s
skin attached. In three days a cicatrix had formed, with considerable
improvement in the hearing. Transplantation must be practiced with a
healthy granulating wound, hæmorrhage being avoided. According to the
authors, the wound should be irrigated with a strong solution of
carbolic acid, and dried; the pieces of skin should also be washed in a
weak solution of carbolic acid.
It suggests itself to the abstractor that still better results would be
obtained by substituting a sterilized solution of chloride of sodium,
say of the strength of 6 to 1,000, for the strong carbolic solution
recommended, to be used just prior to the operation. The changes
produced in the vessels and their contained blood by the use of strong
disinfecting solutions are calculated to prevent early adhesion of the
new skin. At least such is the general experience of recent observers.
Reliable disinfection of the ulcerated surface may be obtained by
keeping the parts covered with gauze wrung out of a 1 to 12,000 solution
of potassio-mercuric iodide for a day or two previously.