Transplant donor site

A transplant donor site is the area of a donor’s body from which tissue or an organ is removed for transplantation into a recipient. Its location and effects depend on the donated material and procedure.

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Autologous transplantation: A transplant procedure in which tissue or cells are moved within the same person. The donor site supplies tissue that is transplanted elsewhere in the same body.
Skin graft: A piece of skin transferred to cover a wound or defect. Skin grafting is a common procedure that leaves a separate harvest area.
Wound healing: The biological process through which damaged tissue is repaired. Donor-site recovery depends on how the wound closes and regenerates.
Allotransplantation: Transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs between genetically distinct members of the same species. A living recipient and donor are different people, unlike in self-donation.
Tissue (biology): A group of similar cells and their extracellular material organized to perform functions. Many donor sites supply tissue rather than an entire organ.
Graft harvesting: The surgical removal of tissue intended for transplantation or grafting. It creates the donor site and determines how much tissue is removed.
Split-thickness skin grafting: A procedure that transfers a thin layer of skin to cover a wound. The thigh is a frequent harvest location because its surface can heal after partial skin removal.
Hypertrophic scar: A raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound. It can form as a visible consequence of healing at a donor site.
Living donor: A person who donates an organ or tissue while alive. Living donation makes the donor’s surgical recovery and lasting health central considerations.
Organ (anatomy): A body structure composed of multiple tissue types that performs specific functions. Whole-organ donation involves different anatomical and clinical considerations from tissue harvest.