Skin transplantation

Transplantation of skin has been recognized as a method to increase the survival of patients who have suffered a massive skin deficit. Until about 30 years ago, a patient who suffered a 60% BSA skin deficit usually died from the effects of overwhelming sepsis. Great strides have since been made in the techniques and technology of skin transplantation. Many different methods are now used to enhance wound closure and to maximize the functioning and cosmesis of the grafted areas. Current methods of permanent wound closure include autografting, Integra with epidermal autografting, cultured epithelial cells, and microskin grafting. Other methods of temporary wound closure include allografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials. These temporary wound coverings act as a "second skin" and keep the wound free from infection while preventing the loss of fluid from the granulation bed. Research continues to strive toward faster wound closure with minimal functional and cosmetic deficits.