Integra Artificial Skin for burn scar revision in adolescents and children.

Abstract

Integra Artificial Skin, a biosynthetic dermal template, is well established in acute burn surgery. The aim of the study was to determine the role of Integra in the surgical treatment of postburn scars in a younger population. Between March 1998 and November 2004, 17 patients (n=17; mean age=13.15 years) underwent complete excision of hypertrophic scars or keloids (1-4% TBSA; extremities=47%, head/neck=35%, trunk=18%) with subsequent implantation of Integra for defect closure. Split thickness skin grafting (STSG) of the Integra-derived neodermis was performed 3 weeks after the first operation. Scar excision and primary Integra implantation was successful in all but one patient (94%) who (6%) needed reimplantation once. Integra's mean take rate was 99.7% for all primarily successful patients. Complications occurred in three patients (18%), including minor problems without long-term consequences in 12% (seroma formation), and major problems in 6% (hematoma formation). Take rate of STSG ranged from 50% to 100% (mean 94%). Functional and cosmetic long-term outcome showed results scored "excellent" in 53%, "good" in 36%, and "fair" in 11%. Comparison of pre- and postoperative findings revealed a significant functional improvement in all and a considerable cosmetic improvement in all but two patients. These results suggest that Integra is a valid new treatment modality for extensive burn scar revision in younger patients.

• Authors: Dorothea Stiefel, Clemens Schiestl, Martin Meuli
• Journal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries (Burns) Vol. 36 Issue 1 Pg. 114-20 (Feb 2010) ISSN: 1879-1409 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 19477602 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• integra artificial skin
• Chondroitin Sulfates
• Collagen

Topics

• Adolescent
• Burns (complications, pathology, surgery)
• Child
• Chondroitin Sulfates (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cicatrix, Hypertrophic (etiology, parasitology, surgery)
• Collagen (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Esthetics
• Female
• Humans
• Keloid (etiology, pathology, surgery)
• Male
• Plastic Surgery Procedures (methods)
• Reoperation (methods)
• Skin, Artificial
• Treatment Outcome