Hi all,

I had an appointment today at Johns Hopkins and the doctor told me a splti thinkness skin graft may be an option for me. Has anyone had this or know anything about it?

Thanks!!

Sorry, Suzanne I have not heard of this procedure before.

Hi Suzanne,
Hopefully someone here can help. I did a google search and as per usual there is so much stuff to wade through.
I did find this on a medical publication "Transposition of split-thickness skin grafts from the anterior thigh to the oral cavity is an ideal method for reconstruction of selected defects following major oncologic ablative surgery. This alternative potentially allows for tongue mobility, deglutition, and articulation superior to that obtained with bulky adynamic myocutaneous flaps." This sounds more like what I had at my original surgery. Did your doctor mention where he would be taking the graft from? PM me if you want the reference and search.
Gabriele

Thank you Gabe and Christine.

He said it would come from my thigh. It's kind of a long story but I went to Hopkins to see the doctor I found at Penn who headed up the PDT study I participated in. During the study he moved his practice to Hopkins so that's why I was there. He suggested I meet with this other doctor to talk about another study which I don't think I'll do. However, during the visit and discussing my history he said he would suggest this split thickness option. He said if I was his patient he would do this. It's not nearly as invasive as a free flap which is good.

It does sound like an interesting option which I have not heard of yet. I'll have to talk to my doctor at Fox Chase and she what she thinks. She has been my doc for a while and I have a good relationship with her and I value her opinion. So, we'll see.

Thanks for the reply ladies!! ((hugs))