[New developments in skin reconstruction - cell cultures and skin substitutes plus review of the literature].

The management of patients with deep extensive burns remains a major challenge for reconstructive surgeons. This is especially true with the considerable progress that is currently being achieved in resuscitation procedures that permit the survival of patients with burns in over 90% of their body surface. Modern reconstruction techniques have had to innovate and become a complex surgery requiring a strategic plan involving materials and multiple surgical procedures tailored to each clinical situation. This type of care also requires the close and co-ordinated collaboration of several highly specialized teams. The survival rate and quality of life of these patients have thus much improved. We have likewise observed that the number of secondary complications such as contractures and scarring instabilities have also significantly decreased.