OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of mixed composite skin graft on the deep partial thickness burn wounds after tangential excision in burn patients.

METHODSTangential excision was performed in 30 extremities of 23 burn patients within 3 postburn days (PBDs). Then large pieces of homologous acellular dermal matrix were grafted onto the superficial fascia with razor thin autoskin on top of them. The survival rate of skin grafts, the appearance and the functional recovery of the extremities were observed on 10 to 12 post operative day (POD). Skin samples from a healed wound of a patient were harvested three months after the injury for pathologic examination.

RESULTSThe survival rate of the composite skin grafts was 93%. Necrosis was encountered in 7% of the grafts in the lower extremities due to the poor fixation of the grafts leading to separation of autologous skin and the dermal template, and also due to infection resulting in lysis of the grafts. The grafted skin was excellent in the appearance and elasticity, and function of the injured extremities recovered well after grafting after 3 - 6 months of follow-up. Epidermal and dermal texture was also good as shown by pathologic examination.

CONCLUSIONMixed composite skin grafting after early tangential excision might be an ideal and effective method in the management of deep partial thickness burn wounds.