Modern methods of skin replacement following burn injury

Abstract

Autotransplantation is currently regarded as the optimal skin replacement method, sufficient donor site, however, is often not available in extensively burned patients. Intensive research and development of skin replacement products is conducted worldwide in order to decrease the size of the required donor site. Short- and long-term wound coverage is made possible by temporary synthetic and non-synthetic skin substitutes. Autografts and cultured epithelial autografts are used for permanent skin substitution. Until this is possible, the barrier function of the skin is provided by bio-engineered temporary skin substitutes. Some products and methods are currently available in Hungary, while others are still in the introductory phase. In order to provide an overview, authors summarize the skin replacement methods and compare the different skin replacement products used worldwide from the perspective of the burn surgeon. The use of new methods to be introduced in the near future needs to be rationalized due to financial considerations.