Skin split thickness graft: surgical procedure and benefits
A skin split thickness graft is a surgical procedure that involves removing a thin layer of skin from a donor site and transplanting it to a recipient site. The donor site is typically the patient’s thigh, abdomen, or buttocks, and the recipient site is an area of the body that has lost skin due to injury, burns, or surgery. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and involves using a dermatome, a surgical instrument that cuts the skin in a controlled manner. The harvested skin is then meshed or expanded to cover a larger area and improve the graft’s adherence to the recipient site. The graft is secured in place with sutures or staples and covered with a dressing. The patient will require close monitoring for signs of infection and will need to keep the graft site clean and dry. Over time, the graft will integrate with the recipient site and provide a new layer of skin.
