Using antibiotics to improve healing of facial skin grafts
The Role of Antibiotics in Full Thickness Skin Graft Survival for Facial Reconstructive Surgery
This study is testing if giving antibiotics after facial skin graft surgery can help the grafts heal better and reduce the risk of infection for adults needing reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT01912651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of systemic antibiotics in enhancing the survival of full-thickness skin grafts used in facial reconstructive surgery. It aims to determine whether administering antibiotics post-operatively can improve wound healing and reduce infection risks compared to patients who do not receive antibiotics. The research will involve adult patients with facial skin defects requiring reconstruction, and will specifically assess the outcomes of those treated with cephalexin. The goal is to provide evidence on the necessity of antibiotics in this surgical context, considering their potential side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients with nasal or facial skin defects requiring full-thickness skin grafts.
Not a fit: Patients currently using systemic antibiotics or those with certain intolerances or malignancies at the defect site may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved healing outcomes for patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of antibiotics in surgical settings is common, this specific investigation into their role in facial skin graft survival is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * all adult patients with a nasal or facial skin/soft tissue defect requiring reconstruction limited to or including a full-thickness skin graft Exclusion Criteria: * current or recent (within one week of surgery) systemic antibiotic use, intolerance to both clindamycin and cephalexin, discovery of a persistent cutaneous malignancy at the site of the defect following the reconstructive procedure and previous reconstruction at the site of the skin/soft-tissue defect.
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeffrey Y Moyer, MD — University of Michigan Otolaryngology
- Study coordinator: Jeffrey S Moyer, MD
- Email: jmoyer@med.umich.edu
- Phone: 734-936-8051
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.