University College Hospital. Having a skin graft. Cancer Services Head and Neck Centre

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1 University College Hospital Having a skin graft Cancer Services Head and Neck Centre

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3 3 If you require a large print, audio or translated copy of this document please contact us on We will try our best to meet your needs. Contents Introduction 5 What is a skin graft? 5 Why is it carried out? 5 Are there any alternatives to having this surgery? 5 What does it involve? 5 Will the donor site be painful? 6 Do I have to stay in bed? 6 How long will it take the donor site to heal? 6 Do I need to take any special precautions? 6 Contact details 7 Where can I get further information? 7

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5 5 Introduction This booklet has been designed to help you understand your upcoming treatment and contains answers to many frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that the booklet does not answer, or would like further explanation, please ask your Doctor or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Please note that this booklet is only about a particular type of reconstruction. It should accompany an information booklet which tells you about the way your cancer will be operated on and can be obtained by asking your CNS. What is a skin graft? It is a thin slice of skin removed from one area (known as the donor site ) and transferred to another part of the body (known as the recipient site ). Why is it carried out? Most skin grafts are used to line a cavity (hole) or to replace damaged skin. Are there any alternatives to having this surgery? There may be other types of reconstructive surgery but your medical team believes this type is the most appropriate for you. Your medical team will be happy to discuss the reasons for recommending this operation and any other concerns you may have. What does it involve? Whilst you are under the anaesthetic, some skin will be removed. This is usually from the thigh(s) or abdomen, but it can be removed from other areas of the body. Your Doctor will advise you of the exact site before your operation. The skin is usually put onto the recipient site at the time of surgery. Occasionally, it may be applied on the ward 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

6 6 Will the donor site be painful? It can be more painful than the operation site. This is because the area acts like a large graze on the skin. You will be given regular painkillers to relieve the pain. The pain will gradually start to lessen after around one week. Do I have to stay in bed? This depends on the type of surgery you have had. However, you may be confi ned to your bed for a short period. This can be discussed with your Surgeon. How long will it take the donor site to heal? There will be a large padded dressing on your thigh from which the skin graft has been taken (the donor site). The outer bandage is left on for at least 24 to 48 hours to provide protection. After about 14 days, it is advisable to sit in a warm bath for 20 minutes to soak off the inner dressing. Once the wound has dried to the air, apply E45 cream (which can be obtained from the hospital pharmacy) to keep the wound moist and supple. Avoid pressure on this area (heavy bed covers, pyjamas, and trousers) to avoid discomfort. A pair of shorts may be better for you to prevent clothing rubbing on the wound. There will be skin discolouration at the site, but this will gradually lighten over the following months. Do I need to take any special precautions? The donor site should be protected from injury and direct sunlight. Keep it covered for the fi rst year and then protect it with sun block thereafter.

7 7 Contact details If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate healthcare professional s Secretary on Your message will be passed onto the appropriate department. Address: Head and Neck Cancer Centre UCLH 1st Floor East 250 Euston Road London NW1 2PG headandneckcentre@uclh.nhs.uk Where can I get further information? You may wish to come into the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG, where you can gain more information at the Macmillan Support and Information Centre on the ground fl oor. Telephone: Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday Alternatively, you can also contact: Macmillan Cancer Support: Support Line: Opening times 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday Trained advisers can answer questions about living with cancer and provide practical and emotional support to both patients and carers. Website:

8 Patient Information leaflet produced by the staff, patients and carers associated with the UCLH. First published: May 2009 Last review date: April 2014 Next review date: April 2016 Leafl et code: UCLH/CS/H&N/CNS/SG/1 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Created by Medical Illustration RNTNEH Unique Code: 29499