Average Hospital Stay After SSG (Split-Skin Graft) Procedure
The average hospital stay after a split-skin graft procedure is typically 4-7 days, though modern protocols increasingly support shorter stays or even same-day discharge in uncomplicated cases.
Evidence-Based Hospital Stay Duration
The available evidence regarding surgical procedures shows variable hospital stays depending on complexity and patient factors:
Traditional Inpatient Approach
- Mean hospital stay of approximately 4 days has been documented for thyroid procedures in resource-limited settings, which may parallel the complexity of SSG procedures requiring similar postoperative monitoring 1.
- For more complex surgical interventions requiring sternotomy, median postoperative hospitalization extends to 7 days (range 4-27 days), particularly when pulmonary complications occur in 21% of cases 2.
Modern Outpatient Trends
- Contemporary surgical practice increasingly supports same-day discharge for appropriate candidates, with average discharge times as short as 2 hours and 37 minutes in carefully selected patients 3.
- Eliminating routine imaging studies and streamlining postoperative protocols can reduce hospital stay to 1.5 days compared to traditional approaches requiring 2.1 days 4.
Clinical Decision Algorithm
For uncomplicated SSG procedures in healthy adults:
- Aim for 1-2 day hospital stay with discharge once wound stability is confirmed and pain is controlled 3, 4.
- Consider same-day discharge if the graft site is small, hemostasis is secure, and the patient has reliable home support 3.
Factors requiring extended stay (4-7 days):
- Large graft areas requiring extensive donor site management 1.
- Comorbidities (ASA III or higher) that increase complication risk 1.
- Development of postoperative complications such as hematoma, infection, or graft failure 3, 2.
Key Monitoring Parameters
Essential postoperative assessments before discharge:
- Graft adherence and absence of hematoma formation (most hematomas occur within the first 13 hours postoperatively) 3.
- Adequate hemostasis at both graft and donor sites to prevent bleeding complications 3, 2.
- Pain control achievable with oral medications 1, 5.
- Patient ability to perform wound care or availability of home nursing support 3.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not routinely extend hospital stay for imaging studies unless clinically indicated, as this increases costs without improving outcomes 4.
- Avoid premature discharge before confirming hemostasis, as early bleeding complications (within first 24 hours) require immediate intervention 3.
- Ensure adequate patient education on wound care before discharge to prevent readmissions 3.