autogreffe

Autogreffe (from French, equivalent to autograft or autologous graft) refers to the surgical transplantation of tissue, cells, or organs from one site to another within the same individual. Because donor and recipient are the same person, autogreffes eliminate immunologic rejection and do not require long-term immunosuppression.

Common types include skin autografts for burns or wound coverage, bone and cartilage grafts in orthopedics, tendon transfers, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (often called autologous stem cell transplant) for certain hematologic malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Tissue may be transferred immediately (primary autograft) or harvested, processed, and reimplanted later.

Indications depend on tissue availability, defect size, and functional goals. Autogreffe is preferred when minimizing immunologic risk and maximizing tissue integration are priorities. Limitations include finite donor tissue, potential morbidity at the harvest site, and longer operative time.

Procedurally, autografts require planning to match tissue type and vascular supply; some autografts are vascularized flaps while others rely on revascularization from the recipient bed. Complications can include infection, graft failure, donor-site pain or dysfunction, and scarring.

Alternatives include allografts (from other humans), xenografts (from animals), and synthetic or engineered materials, each with distinct risk and benefit profiles. Outcomes are generally favorable when patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative care are appropriate.