Complications of skin transplantation
In contrast to foreign skin transplants, transplants using the body’s own skin generally have no risk of rejection. Complications that affect both autologous and foreign skin transplants are possible infections (usually caused by “Streptococcus pyogenes”) or bleeding during or after the procedure.In addition, healing disorders, delayed growth or even death of the transplant may occur if the covered wound is not properly supplied with blood or bled (bruising) after the operation. Incorrect placement (under tension) or inadequate fixation (too loose) of the graft can also lead to difficulties in healing, since in this case there is no optimum contact between the graft and the wound bed.
Once wound healing is complete, in some cases there may be changes in sensation up to a numbness over the graft area and altered or missing hair growth in this area. If the transplantation area is very large, the scarring process may not be complete, which may restrict the movement of affected limbs (especially over joints), since scar tissue is less elastic and stretchable. The level of risk for possible complications depends on the one hand on age and on the other hand on accompanying secondary diseases that lead to poor wound healing.
Patients at an advanced age (>60 years) as well as newborns and infants in particular have a higher risk of suffering complications, as do patients with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, anemia, arterial circulatory disorders, immune defects and defensive disorders or chronic infections. The use of certain medications can also influence and interfere with wound healing (e.g. anticoagulants, immunosuppressive substances, cancer drugs), as can poor nutritional status and regular nicotine consumption.
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