SKIN GRAFTING

Course overview

SKIN GRAFTING IS A CLOSURE TECHNIQUE USED IN DERMATOLOGY MOST COMMONLY TO CLOSE WOUNDS CREATED BY THE REMOVAL OF SKIN CANCER. ALTHOUGH CURRENTLY LESS FAVORED THAN FLAP CLOSURES, GRAFTING CAN PRODUCE A GOOD COSMETIC RESULT. SKIN GRAFTS, IN CONTRAST TO FLAPS, ARE COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THEIR BLOOD SUPPLY, WHEREAS FLAPS REMAIN ATTACHED TO A BLOOD SUPPLY VIA A PEDICLE. SKIN GRAFTS ARE LESS TECHNICALLY DIFFICULT BUT CAN BE MORE TIME-CONSUMING AS THE PROCEDURE CREATES A SECOND SURGICAL SITE. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SKIN GRAFTS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN MANAGING THESE PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY.