Skin Graft Research Paper
R. J. V. B.
Anatomy and Physiology
Mrs. Sprague
4/11/13
Skin Grafts After a severe burn, a pressure ulcer, or a surgical procedure, some of the skin on the patient may be taken away. If the damage is so great that the skin cannot regenerate on its own, the patient may need a skin graft. A skin graft is replacing layers of skin on the body of a patient. Although this process is long, painful, and takes long it heal it does save the lives of many people every year especially in case of burns (Roos). There are four main types of grafts. The most preferred choice is an autograft. In an auto graft, skin is taken directly from the patient so that there is no fear of rejection. The second type is isografts. This involves taking skin …show more content…
For the most serious of skin grafts patients may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks. For shallower grafts most can leave the hospital after a short stay and must avoid strenuous activities so that the skin graft has a chance to heal (Bhimji). If the procedure works, blood vessel growth could start within thirty-six hours (Chwistek). Although skin grafts have been used for years, many times the surgery will fail, reasons for a skin graft to not “take” would be not having a well vascularized skin bed for the new skin to grow on, sheer force on the graft, infection by bacteria, and if large amounts of seroma and hematomas prevent contact between the graft and the skin bed (Gingrass 10). To prevent these, the graft must be covered with fresh bandages constantly and keep out interstitial fluids like seroma so that the tissue and have a good “take”. One method used is a vacuum-assisted closure which will draw out all the fluid (Roos). After the surgery, patients will also have to take immunosuppressive therapy which will stop the body from attacking the foreign skin. Many will have to take these drugs for the remainder of their lives but some are able to take away the drugs in rare
Anatomy and Physiology
Mrs. Sprague
4/11/13
Skin Grafts After a severe burn, a pressure ulcer, or a surgical procedure, some of the skin on the patient may be taken away. If the damage is so great that the skin cannot regenerate on its own, the patient may need a skin graft. A skin graft is replacing layers of skin on the body of a patient. Although this process is long, painful, and takes long it heal it does save the lives of many people every year especially in case of burns (Roos). There are four main types of grafts. The most preferred choice is an autograft. In an auto graft, skin is taken directly from the patient so that there is no fear of rejection. The second type is isografts. This involves taking skin …show more content…
For the most serious of skin grafts patients may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks. For shallower grafts most can leave the hospital after a short stay and must avoid strenuous activities so that the skin graft has a chance to heal (Bhimji). If the procedure works, blood vessel growth could start within thirty-six hours (Chwistek). Although skin grafts have been used for years, many times the surgery will fail, reasons for a skin graft to not “take” would be not having a well vascularized skin bed for the new skin to grow on, sheer force on the graft, infection by bacteria, and if large amounts of seroma and hematomas prevent contact between the graft and the skin bed (Gingrass 10). To prevent these, the graft must be covered with fresh bandages constantly and keep out interstitial fluids like seroma so that the tissue and have a good “take”. One method used is a vacuum-assisted closure which will draw out all the fluid (Roos). After the surgery, patients will also have to take immunosuppressive therapy which will stop the body from attacking the foreign skin. Many will have to take these drugs for the remainder of their lives but some are able to take away the drugs in rare