This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial International License
(CC BY-NC 4.0).
Background: Skin grafting is a widely utilized modality for wound closure. However, suitable donor
grafts are not always readily available, and in some instances the wound bed is not yet prepared for
graft application. Consequently, the ability to preserve split-thickness grafts (STG) is essential in
reconstructive practice.
Objective: This study aims to compare the structural integrity and viability of split-thickness grafts
stored at 4°C and -80°C.
Methodology: This experimental study employed a post-test control group design, utilizing 21 splitthickness skin samples obtained from excessskin during surgical procedures at Dr. Soetomo Regional
Hospital, Surabaya. Samples were divided into three groups: fresh (control), storage at 4°C, and
storage at -80°C for two weeks using 0.9% NaCl and glycerol as storage media. Tissue structure was
assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, while cell viability was measured using the MTT Assay.
Results: Results demonstrated that storage at -80°C more effectively preserved the integrity of the
epidermal and dermal structures, particularly concerning de-keratinization and the dermo- epidermal
junction, compared to storage at 4°C (p < 0.05). Tissue viability increased with decreasing storage
temperature, reaching the highest values at -80°C for both 0.9% NaCl and glycerol media (p < 0.001).
The use of glycerol as a storage medium yielded higher viability compared to 0.9% NaCl. Lowering
the storage temperature significantly enhanced cell survival and maintained tissue architecture.
Conclusion: Storing split-thickness grafts at -80°C in glycerol provides the optimal preservation of
tissue structure and viability, representing an effective long-term storage method for use in plastic
surgery therapies.