Managing a Traumatic Scalp Wound with Adequate Hydration with Mineral Oil: Case Report

Abstract

Scalp reconstruction primary management include primary closure as well as local flaps. We present a 2-year-old male patient brought to the emergency room presenting a traumatic frontal laceration and a scalp wound located at the left temporal area. He was taken to the operative room; wounds were washed and sutured with a two-plane closure and a Penrose drainage was used. In the first post operative day the flap became ecchymotic, for which hydration with mineral oil was increased. At the 4th post operative day, the flap started to enhance its color becoming reddish. Patient was discharged at his 7th day, after removing the frontal stiches and Penrose. Temporal wound stiches were withdrawn posteriorly showing an adequate healing process. Scalp wound reconstruction represents a great challenge for any plastic or reconstructive surgeon, in which the main goal is to achieve an aesthetic outcome with the minor donor morbidity.