Use of Cultured Epithelial Autograft in Conjunction with Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix in Massive Burns: A Case Series

Intensive care for massively burn patients has increased survival and highlights the need for a solution to the problem of insufficient donor sites for autologous skin coverage. In this case series, we present 10 patients with average burn size of 81% TBSA and mean age of 24 years old, who underwent burn excision followed by either immediate or delayed biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) placement. After an integration period, the BTM was delaminated either the day before or immediately prior to placement of cultured epithelial autografts over a widely meshed (4:1 or 6:1) split thickness skin graft. One patient had cultured epithelial autografts alone, without split thickness skin graft, placed on integrated BTM and had successful take. Seven patients survived to discharge and had average 95% wound closure at 135 +/- 35 days. The patients had on average 10.4 total operations and 8.7 excision and grafting operations. Five patients had complications related to the BTM requiring removal or replacement including three fungal infections, one bacterial infection and one with bleeding and a large clot burden. In conclusion, this surgical strategy is a viable option for patients with massive burns and insufficient donor for autologous skin grafting.