OBJECTIVETo explore the promoting effects of cograft of auto-microskin and allo-dermal matrix on burn wound healing.

METHODSForty-six patches of full skin loss wounds were made in the backs of 6 small white swines. Auto-microskin and meshed acellular allo-dermal matrix were simultaneously prepared. The 46 wounds were averagely divided into test (T) and control (C) groups. The wounds in T group were covered with auto-microskin and allo-dermal matrix (1:4) and split-thick allo-porcine skin. While the wounds in C group were grafted with autoskin and allo-dermal matrix.

RESULTSThe skin survival rate exhibited no difference between C and T groups (P > 0.05). There was similar histological exhibition in the two groups after skin grafting. The structure of collagen fibres appeared integrated, clear with regular arrangement and steady diameter at 8 - 20 post-operative weeks. Simultaneously, it was revealed by histological examination that normal vascular structure could be identified in the grafted skin and that inflammatory reaction ameliorated gradually and that epithelium combined well with dermis. It was also found that the epidermal papillar across the basement membrane fixed well to allo-dermis. The skin appeared smooth, elastic and functioned well at 5 months after skin grafting.

CONCLUSIONThe grafted skin survived well after the cograft of auto-microskin and allo-dermal matrix, which might be ideal covering material for the major deep burn wound healing.