In a significant medical advancement for the state, Kerala has commenced its first-ever skin processing operations at the newly established skin bank within the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Thiruvananthapuram. This facility marks a critical step in providing life-saving treatment for patients who have suffered severe skin loss due to accidents or burns.
A New Hope for Burn Victims
The skin bank, which cost Rs 6.75 crore to set up alongside the existing burn unit, is now actively preserving and processing donated human skin. The skin is stored under meticulously controlled temperature conditions. Following a three-week chemical processing period, the skin is ready to be grafted onto patients using advanced plastic surgery techniques.
Health Minister Veena George emphasized that the bank was established to ensure world-class treatment for those who have lost skin. She highlighted that the new skin provides a vital protective layer over wounds, which helps reduce the risk of infection, alleviates pain, and minimizes the loss of vital fluids and electrolytes from the body.
Overcoming the Donation Hurdle
The minister addressed a key challenge in making this service a reality: public reluctance to donate skin. She explained that the harvesting procedure is conducted with great care, taking skin only from areas not visible externally, such as the back of the thigh, so it does not disfigure the donor's body.
The successful start of the bank was made possible by a pivotal decision from the family of S Shibu from Chirakkara in Kollam, who was declared brain dead. A medical team led by Dr Premlal from the plastic surgery department performed the skin harvest. Depending on the extent of damage a patient has suffered, the skin harvested from one donor can potentially aid multiple individuals.
Expansion and Specialized Care
Looking ahead, steps are already underway to establish a second skin bank at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The burns units and the new skin bank operate under the supervision of the plastic surgery department.
The burns Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at the MCHs are equipped with facilities designed to minimize infections and provide rapid relief, significantly aiding patient recovery. These specialized ICUs are crucial for treating patients with burns exceeding 10% of their body surface area.
This integrated approach—combining a dedicated skin bank, specialized burns ICUs, and expert plastic surgery—promises to transform burn care in Kerala, offering new hope and improved outcomes for critically injured patients.
