The use of cultured epithelial autografts in the wound care of severely burned patients.

Commercially prepared cultured epithelial autografts permit closure of deep burn wounds when insufficient uninjured skin is available for split-thickness grafting. This technique was used in seven patients with a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burn of 66% and full-thickness burn of 52%. All patients survived with a mean initial take of 69% and final take of 80% for the cultured epithelial autografts. Patients with a TBSA burn greater than 80% required at least a second application of the grafts. We feel our approach to wound preparation and postoperative wound care has contributed to our success with this technique.