Skin graft
From ArticleWorld
Skin graft is a type of tissue transplant that involves transplantation of the skin. Skin graft operations are often autotransplants, with skin being taken from the same person, from areas where it regenerates more quickly.
Indications
Skin graft is most commonly used to replace skin that is deteriorated beyond recovery. This is usually the case with skin damaged by wounds or burns, or affected by a severe infection that caused extensive skin loss. Sometimes, skin grafts can be used in certain surgeries like those treating open fractures of the lower leg.
If the surface needing a skin graft is small enough, tissue will be prelevated from the patient itself. If the area is larger, skin will often be produced by successive tissue expansion procedures, forcing skin to grow in excess.
Procedure
In normal skin grafting operations (split-thickness skin graft), the surgeon uses a dermatome to remove skin parts. The skin slice is put into place and held in place with a dressing or some stitches. Blood vessels begin forming spontaneously after about 36 hours.
Full-thickness skin grafts are more difficult, because these involve a more laborious work of transplanting not just the skin, but also underlying muscle and blood vessels. Such procedures are more risky.
Post-operatory care is required, but recovery is quite quick. The skin graft should not be stretched for the first 2 weeks. Recovery after full-thickness operation takes longer.
Risks
In the case of an autograft skin graft operation, the risk of rejection is absent. However, bleeding and infection may occur, and, if the skin graft is not correctly performed or if the area is physically overworked too soon, the grafted skin may be lost.
If the transplant is allograft, immunosuppressive treatment must be followed, as the danger of rejection is present.
In some cases, local blood circulation may not be correctly restored. Blood circulation must be monitored continuously and, if it does not develop, the operation is usually repeated.