Autologous Scar-Related Tissue Combined with Skin Grafting for Reconstructing Large Area Burn Scar. Issue 10 (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Zhuoqun; Li, Jun; Wang, Kejia; He, Ting; Wang, Hongtao; Xie, Songtao; Yang, Xuekang; Han, Juntao
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative surgery. Volume 35:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 1779
• Page End: 1788
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Plastic surgery -- surgical technique -- tissue engineering -- trauma -- wound healing -- transplantation; Surgery -- Research -- Periodicals; Research; Surgery; Surgical Procedures, Operative; 617.075
• DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2101164
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1939

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study introduced a novel method to reconstruct large areas of scarring caused by burns via combining autologous scar-related tissue with spit-thickness skin grafting (ASTCS). Methods: 25 patients underwent reconstruction after scar resection surgeries around the joints were analyzed between Jan 2012 and Jan 2018. Patient demographics and clinical parameters were collected, autologous scar-related tissue was modified to meshed structure, and the split-thickness skin was acquired from the scalp. The scar was resected and punched by a meshing machine with a thickness of 0.3–0.5 mm at a ratio of 1:1. The secondary wounds were covered by the epidermis from a donor site. The surgical areas were bandaged for 7–10 days before the first dressing change. Results: 25 patients (mean [SD] age, 26.4 [18.8] years; 16 [64%] men) underwent wounds reconstructive operations due to scar resection were reviewed. Wound location of 9 (22%), 8 (19.5%), 9 (22%), 7 (17.1%) and 8 (19.5%) cases were reconstructed in axillary, hand and wrist, popliteal fossa, elbow and neck, respectively. 39 sites of transplanted tissues survived well, and 2 sites were cured after two weeks of dressing changes. Except the analysis of injury causes, nutritional status, wound area and hospital days, patients with scar deformities in joint areas achieved satisfactory function by assessing the Vancouver Burn Skin Score and the Barthel Index Scale Scores after 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Combining autologous scar-related tissue with skin grafting provided a novel method for treating large areas of burn scars with better functional outcomes.