Which type of skin graft has the highest chance of survival (take) but leaves the worst donor-site morbidity?

• A Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) — 0.012–0.018 inch
• B Full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) ✓
• C Meshed STSG (1:4 ratio)
• D Dermal regeneration template (Integra) followed by thin STSG

Explanation

Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) include the entire dermis and thus have a higher metabolic demand during the imbibition phase, making their take more susceptible to poor wound bed conditions compared to STSG. However, when FTSG does take, it undergoes significantly less secondary contraction, provides better texture and colour match, and has superior aesthetic outcomes. Donor-site morbidity is greater because the wound must be primarily closed. STSG has higher take rates but greater contraction.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.