Why is this procedure done?
You have an area of skin that has been badly damaged from a large burn, wound, or deep sore. Your doctor will attach a patch of skin to this part of your body to help it heal. You may need to have skin replaced after certain surgeries. You may have to stay in the hospital for this kind of surgery. Other times, your doctor will do the surgery and let you go back home later the same day. ‚
The patch of skin is called a graft. The doctor removes the skin for the graft from another part of your body. This area is called a donor site. Areas for donor sites may be the inside of the upper leg or buttocks. The skin below the collar bone, around the ear, or the upper arm may also be used as a donor site. Other human skin, pig skin, or man-made tissue may be used for skin grafts. ‚
Your doctor will talk to you about the type of skin graft you need based on your wound. ‚
There are three main types of skin grafts: ‚
- Split-thickness graft ¢ ˆ ’ Removal of the top layers of skin. It allows the donor site to heal quickly. The graft may be made into a mesh. This mesh allows the skin to cover a larger site.
- Full-thickness graft ¢ ˆ ’ Removal and transfer of skin including blood vessels. The donor site needs stitches to heal. This is most often done when the face is affected.
- Composite graft ¢ ˆ ’ Skin and fat, skin and cartilage, or middle layer skin and fat are removed for this graft. It is used in an area that needs to be shaped, like the nose.
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What will the results be?
- Prevents infection and can aid healing after a burn or a deep wound
- Less scarring
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may ask you to shower with a special soap before going to the hospital. This will lessen the amount of germs on your skin.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your wound will be cleaned and measured.
- The pattern of the wound will be traced. The doctor will outline the area over the donor site where the skin graft will come from if your own skin is being used.
- Your doctor will use a special tool to remove the donor tissue for the skin graft.
- The skin graft will be placed to cover the wound.
- Stitches or staples are used to hold the graft to the damaged skin.
- Sterile dressings will be used over the skin graft. A dressing will also cover the donor site for 3 to 5 days.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after surgery.
- The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Based on the location and size of the graft, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Your activity may also be limited to protect the graft.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Slow healing of the graft skin
- Infection
- Numbness of the skin
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Burns ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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