What is a potential disadvantage of a cultured epithelial autograft (CEA)?

A cultured epithelial autograft (CEA) involves growing sheets of skin cells in a laboratory to be used for skin grafting, often in cases of severe burns or wounds. One significant disadvantage of using a CEA is the high cost associated with the entire process. The procedure requires specialized facilities and skilled personnel to cultivate the cells, which increases the expenses compared to traditional skin grafts.

While CEAs have several advantages, such as being more personalized and potentially reducing the risk of rejection due to their autologous nature, they also come with challenges. The durability of the grafts may vary, and graft failure is not uncommon. Additionally, healing times can be longer compared to other methods, which may lead to further complications. Thus, while options like durability, graft failure risk, and healing time have their characteristics, the high cost remains a notable concern when considering CEAs for clinical use.