Ihonsiirteet

Ihonsiirteet, also known as skin grafts, are a medical procedure used to replace damaged or missing skin with healthy skin from another part of the body or from a donor. This technique is crucial for treating conditions like severe burns, chronic wounds, and skin cancer. The primary goal of skin grafting is to cover the affected area, promote healing, and restore function and appearance.

There are two main types of skin grafts: autografts and allografts. Autografts involve transplanting skin from one area of the patient's own body to another. This is the most common type as it eliminates the risk of rejection. Allografts, on the other hand, use skin from a donor, typically a deceased individual. Allografts are usually temporary and serve as a biological dressing until an autograft can be performed or the wound can heal on its own.

The procedure itself involves harvesting a thin or thick layer of skin from a donor site. The harvested skin is then carefully placed onto the prepared recipient site, where it is secured and protected to allow it to integrate with the underlying tissues. Post-operative care is vital, focusing on preventing infection and ensuring the graft remains in place. While skin grafting is a well-established and effective treatment, potential complications can include infection, graft failure, and scarring at both the donor and recipient sites.