There are several fire incidents around us. Sometimes the number goes high to thousands, especially in summer. Fires occur in different parts of homes, offices, factories, and around lead to deaths many times. Even if they do not die, many people lose their limbs to fire. Even if the internal organs are not affected, the skin gets burnt.
The skin is a very sensitive organ and is even considered a symbol of beauty. It is estimated that there may be more people who are crippled by the fire without going to the hospital for treatment.
What is a skin transplant?
Many people may not be aware that a skin transplant can be done on such burnt parts if the fire has caused damage. Kirtipur Hospital in Kirtipur, Kathmandu has been providing skin transplant services for a long time. Although superficial burns heal on their own, there is a stage when surgery for skin transplant is necessary. Deep burns can be surgically removed and the skin removed from another part of the patient’s own body can be implanted in that area. Failure to do so can lead to infection and even death.
When Can A Relative Donate Skin?
If more than 40 percent of the body is burned, the skin of the patient’s body is not enough to cover the burn. In this case, if the relative donates the skin, the patient can be saved. According to Nepali law, skin can only be taken from a relative of the patient. But when the skin is removed from the body of a living person, there is a danger of ripening, burning, and even cancer. It is considered appropriate to take the skin from the relatives only when there is no other option to save the life of the burnt patient.
Deep burns on more than one-third of the body are not enough to cover the burn with the patient’s own skin. In this case, the best solution is to have another person’s skin transplanted. So it is necessary to donate skin to save the life of a burnt person. Just like eye donation, skin donation can be done within 6 hours after the death of any person or within 24 hours if the body is kept in the fridge. According to doctors, the skin can be stored for five years at low temperatures after various tests.
The life of the patient can be saved by transplanting the skin in the burn wound as per the need. Not only can the skin donated in this way be given to others, but the skin donated by others can also save our lives.
Who Can not Donate Skin for Transplant Surgery?
The mentioned below characteristic can not donate their skin for surgery transplant.
- Children under the age of 16.
- HIV AIDS and Hepatitis B, C.
- Patients with skin diseases.
- Died of any infection.
- Died of jaundice.
From Which Part of the Body Can Skin Be Donated?
The skin removal process takes about 45 minutes
NOTE: The article has been published with expert consultation in common, however, the procedure and criteria of skin transplant in your country may differ.
