Abstract
Biobrane has become an indispensible dressing with three established indications in acute burns care at our institution: (1) as the definitive dressing of superficial partial thickness facial burns, (2) after tangential excision of deep burns when autograft or cadaver skin is unavailable, and (3) for graft reduction. This paper details our initial experience of Biobrane for the management of superficial partial thickness facial burns in children and the protocol that was compiled for its optimal use. A retrospective analysis of theatre records, case notes and photographs was performed to evaluate our experience with Biobrane over a one-year period. Endpoints included length of stay, analgesic requirements, time to application of Biobrane, healing times, and aesthetic results. Historical controls were used to compare the results with our previous standard of care. 87 patients with superficial partial thickness burns of the face had Biobrane applied during this period. By adhering to the protocol we were able to demonstrate significant reductions in hospital stay, healing time, analgesic requirements, nursing care, with excellent cosmetic results. The protocol is widely accepted by all involved in the optimal management of these patients, including parents, anaesthetists, and nursing staff.
Highlights
Biobrane was conceived in 1979 but has only been available in South Africa since 2007
This study aimed to evaluate our experience with Biobrane for superficial partial thickness facial burns in children and to design and implement a protocol for its optimal use
A retrospective case note review was performed on patients with superficial partial thickness facial burns of the face who were admitted to the Burns Unit and had Biobrane applied between August 2008 and July 2009
Summary
Biobrane was conceived in 1979 but has only been available in South Africa since 2007. It is a bilaminar material composed of an outer silicone film with partially embedded nylon. Porcine type one collagen is incorporated into both components. The collagen peptides bind to the wound surface fibrin and so act as a dermal analogue. Reepithelialisation is facilitated which results in spontaneous detachment of the Biobrane once complete. Due to the presence of pores in the product, exudate may drain, and antimicrobial dressings (like Acticoat) may be applied to the wound surface
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