SKIN GRAFT

General Information

DEFINITION-Taking skin from one area of the body and attaching it to another area where no skin exists.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Skin (donor sites and recipient sites).

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Extensive wounds, burns or certain surgeries may require skin grafts for healing to occur.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Newborns and infants.
• Obesity; smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Anemia.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-General surgeon or plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital, outpatient surgical facility or emergency room (rarely).

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Skin is removed from a donor site. The donor site is covered with gauze.
• Debris is cleared from the recipient site.
• The skin from the donor site is placed on the recipient site and fastened at each corner with sutures. Bandages are applied. New blood vessels begin growing from the recipient area into the transplanted skin within 36 hours.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Collection of serum under recipient site that prevents growth of new blood vessels.
• Loss of grafted skin.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-2 to 12 days, depending on extent of surgery.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery. Most skin grafts are successful, but in some cases they don't "take" and must be done again. This often occurs if skin edges are injured from stitches. Skillful postoperative nursing

care is critical to the graft's success.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--

prescription antibiotic ointment to new bandages, if instructed by your doctor. Keep bandages dry while bathing. If a bandage gets wet, change it promptly.

• If the wound bleeds, press a clean tissue or cloth to it for 10 minutes.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Return to daily activities and work as soon as possible to promote healing.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks following surgery.
• Resume driving 1 week after returning home.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occur:

• Pain, swelling, redness, drainage, bleeding or odor in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.