THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s first skin bank at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College has started processing donor skin, ushering in a new era in advanced burn care in the state. The facility, established alongside the Burns Unit, is expected to significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes for patients who lose skin due to severe burns and accidents.
The harvested skin is preserved under specially controlled temperatures and undergoes a three-week chemical processing procedure. Once processed, it is grafted onto patients in critical need through plastic surgery using advanced medical technology. The graft provides a protective cover over injured areas, helping reduce infection, ease pain, and minimise fluid and salt loss.
Health Minister Veena George said the skin bank was set up to ensure world-class treatment for burn victims in Kerala. The project, including the Burns Unit, was implemented at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore and was inaugurated by the chief minister in September. She added that steps are under way to establish another skin bank at the Kottayam Medical College.
Officials said the availability of donor skin had been delayed due to hesitation among people to donate skin. However, skin is harvested without causing any disfigurement to the body, as it is taken from non-visible areas such as the back of the thigh.
The first skin was harvested following a crucial decision taken by the family of S Shibu, 46, of Edavattom, Kollam, who was declared brain-dead. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Dr Prem Lal of the Plastic Surgery Department. Depending on the burn, the harvested skin can be used for one or more patients.
The skin bank will support Burns ICUs functioning under the supervision of the Plastic Surgery Department at medical colleges. Doctors said that with advanced intensive care facilities, the units aim to reduce infections, provide faster relief and help patients with burns affecting more than 10% of the body return to normal life at the earliest.