Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
STSG
Pronunciation: ESS-tee-ESS-jee
Also written as: STSG — split-thickness skin graft
Split-thickness skin graft used to cover defects after tumor removal.
Full Definition
A type of skin graft that includes the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, typically harvested at 0.012-0.018 inches thickness. Split-thickness skin grafts are commonly used in dermatologic surgery to reconstruct large defects after tumor excision, particularly when primary closure or local flaps are not feasible. The donor site, usually the thigh or buttock, heals by re-epithelialization from remaining dermal elements.
Usage
Usage note: Use periods when writing out the abbreviation (S.T.S.G.) in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The 4 cm defect was reconstructed with an STSG harvested from the left thigh." — operative report
- "STSG take was excellent with 95% graft survival at two-week follow-up." — postoperative note
Also known as
split-thickness skin graft
partial-thickness skin graft
Contrasted with
FTSG
full-thickness skin graft
Don't confuse with
FTSG
composite graft