CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF AUTOLOGOUS SKIN GRAFTING IN THE TREATMENT OF SKIN LOSS AND BURNS AT CAN THO CENTRAL GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 2023-2024

Objective: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate the outcomes of autologous skin grafting in the treatment of skin loss and burn wounds at Can Tho Central General Hospital during the period 2023–2024. Study design: A retrospective descriptive case-series study was conducted on 69 patients with skin loss wounds or burns who underwent autologous skin grafting at the Burn Unit, Can Tho Central General Hospital, from January 2023 to December 2024. Results: Male patients accounted for 58.0%, and the mean age was 53.26 ± 16.04 years; the 40–60 age group was the most common (50.7%). The leading causes were diabetic complications (37.7%) and traffic accidents (26.1%). Lesions were mainly located on the lower limbs, especially the lower leg and foot (24.6% each). Most wounds involved 1–5% of body surface area (94.2%). A single grafting session was sufficient in 97.1% of cases. Edema improved markedly within 48–72 hours after surgery. Wound coverage of 96–100% was achieved in 94.2% of patients. All patients showed good graft take, with no poor scarring, referral, or mortality. The mean hospital stay after grafting was 12 ± 3.58 days.. Conclusion: Autologous skin grafting yields favorable early treatment outcomes in patients, with a high coverage rate and good post-grafting progression, providing early and positive results for patients with skin loss wounds and burns.