Our Experiences in Using a Dermal Substitute in Deep Burns of Various Etiologies

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The gold standard treatment of burn injury involves early excision of the burned area and reconstruction using split-thickness skin grafts. Alternative methods can be used when traditional skin grafting may not be viable or donor skin is limited. We aimed to review the use and outcomes of dermal substitute combined with split-thickness skin graft for deep partial thickness burn wounds and full thickness burn wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 10 patients (9 males and 1 female; age range, 8-69 years with mean age of 34.5) who were treated in Gulhane Training and research hospital burn center between February 2023 and September 2023. Our protocol relied on clinical assessments, wound examinations, tissue cultures, and photographic documentation. RESULTS: The burn area was generally located on the extremities. In 8 cases, bone, tendon, or cartilage were exposed. The percentage of total body surface area ranged from 1% to 18% (mean 5.5%). Four patients presented during the chronic period (21 days or more). CONCLUSIONS: The use of dermal skin substitutes combined with split-thickness skin graft offers a promising alternative for deep burn wounds independent of patient age, burn etiology, or timing of the treatment.