Our Summary
This study looked at how different treatments for burn injuries can affect skin shrinkage over time. The researchers compared treatments that used a person’s own skin (autologous skin grafts) with and without the addition of a dermal matrix, which is a type of skin substitute.
Patients were randomly put into one of four groups: one received a skin graft plus an Integra® matrix, another received a skin graft plus a Pelnac® matrix, the third received a skin graft plus a Matriderm® matrix, and the last group, the control group, received only a skin graft.
The researchers then measured the size of the skin grafts during the surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. They found that a year after surgery, the control group (which received only a skin graft) had less skin shrinkage than the groups that also received a dermal matrix.
The group that received the Pelnac® matrix had the most shrinkage, followed by the group that received the Matriderm® matrix. The group that received the Integra® matrix had about the same amount of shrinkage as the Matriderm® group.
The researchers concluded that using these dermal matrices with a skin graft did not prevent or reduce the amount of skin shrinkage in patients with burn injuries. Therefore, doctors should carefully consider whether or not to use these matrices when treating these patients.
FAQs
- What is a dermal matrix in the context of skin graft surgery?
- How does the use of a dermal matrix influence skin shrinkage after skin graft surgery?
- What was the difference in skin shrinkage among the groups that received different types of dermal matrices?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about skin graft surgery is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed, avoiding excessive movement or strain on the graft site, and following up with the doctor for regular check-ups. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking, can also help promote healing and improve outcomes after skin graft surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for skin graft surgery include those with severe burns, extensive wounds, chronic ulcers, or skin cancer. Skin graft surgery may be necessary to help these patients heal, reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Timeline
Before skin graft surgery, a patient will typically undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical team to determine the extent of their burn injury and whether a skin graft is necessary. The patient will also be informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits.
During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged skin and place a healthy skin graft from another part of the body onto the wound. The wound will then be bandaged and the patient will be monitored closely for any signs of infection or complications.
After the surgery, the patient will need to follow a strict wound care regimen to ensure proper healing. This may include changing dressings, taking medications, and attending follow-up appointments with the medical team.
Over time, the patient will see the skin graft gradually heal and blend in with the surrounding skin. The skin may initially appear red or pink but will eventually fade to match the rest of the skin. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve range of motion and prevent scarring.
Overall, the recovery process can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the burn injury and the individual’s healing ability. With proper care and follow-up, most patients can expect to have a successful outcome from skin graft surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about skin graft surgery include:
- What type of skin graft will be used in my surgery?
- Will a dermal matrix be used in conjunction with the skin graft? If so, which type?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of using a dermal matrix with the skin graft?
- How will the use of a dermal matrix affect the healing process and long-term outcome of the surgery?
- Will there be any additional procedures or follow-up treatments required if a dermal matrix is used?
- Are there any alternative treatments or approaches that do not involve the use of a dermal matrix?
- How will the amount of skin shrinkage be monitored and managed post-surgery?
- What can I expect in terms of scarring and overall aesthetic outcome with and without the use of a dermal matrix?
- How experienced are you in performing skin graft surgeries with and without the use of dermal matrices?
- Are there any specific factors about my individual case that make the use of a dermal matrix more or less appropriate?
Reference
Authors: Corrêa FB, Castro JCD, Almeida IR, Farina-Junior JA, Coltro PS. Journal: Wound Repair Regen. 2022 Mar;30(2):222-231. doi: 10.1111/wrr.13002. Epub 2022 Feb 23. PMID: 35141977