CPT® Code 15110

An epidermal autograft is a surgical procedure that involves the harvesting of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, to cover a defect located on the trunk, arms, or legs. This type of graft is specifically designed to restore the skin's integrity in areas where it has been damaged or lost due to injury, surgery, or other medical conditions. The procedure is particularly relevant for infants and children, as it allows for the coverage of wounds that may encompass up to 1% of their total body surface area (TBSA). The grafting process begins with the selection of a donor site, which is typically chosen from areas such as the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp. To ensure patient comfort and minimize bleeding during the procedure, a local anesthetic combined with epinephrine is injected into the subcutaneous tissue at the donor site. The use of a dermatome, a specialized surgical instrument, allows for the precise harvesting of the epidermis at a controlled depth, ensuring that minimal dermal tissue is included. The dermatome is operated in a continuous motion with downward pressure to effectively remove the graft. Once harvested, the graft may be prepared for transfer to the recipient site, which can involve techniques such as meshing to increase the graft's surface area. Finally, the graft is placed over the wound bed and secured using sutures, staples, or fibrin sealant, ensuring proper adherence and promoting healing.