Professional
Technical
IVT
STSG
Also written as: STSG — split-thickness skin graft
Split-thickness skin graft containing epidermis and part of dermis.
Full Definition
Split-thickness skin graft, the most commonly used type of autograft in burn surgery. STSGs contain the epidermis and a variable portion of the dermis, typically harvested at 0.008-0.016 inches thick using a dermatome. They have high graft survival rates and allow donor site re-harvesting, but provide less durable coverage and inferior cosmetic results compared to full-thickness grafts. The thickness selection depends on recipient site requirements and donor site considerations.
Usage
Usage note: Common acronym in burn surgery documentation; always spell out on first use.
In Context
- "0.012-inch STSG was harvested from the right thigh for coverage of the dorsal hand burns." — operative report
- "The STSG showed 95% take at the first postoperative dressing change." — progress note
Also known as
split-thickness graft
partial-thickness graft
Contrasted with
FTSG
full-thickness skin graft
Don't confuse with
FTSG
meshed graft