gms | German Medical Science

36. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung (DAV 2018)

10.01. - 13. 01.2018, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Retrospective review of a 5-year adult burn center’s experience with Meek grafting in the management of extensive burns

Meeting Abstract

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  • presenting/speaker Khosrow Houschyar - BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle, Plastische und Handchirurgie / Verbrennungszentrum, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
  • Frank Siemers - BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle, Plastische und Handchirurgie / Verbrennungszentrum, Halle (Saale), Deutschland

Deutschsprachige Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung. 36. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung (DAV 2018). Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 10.-13.01.2018. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2018. DocV 15

doi: 10.3205/18dav15, urn:nbn:de:0183-18dav154

Published: January 9, 2018

© 2018 Houschyar et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.


Outline

Text

Background: The Meek technique constitutes a rapid and efficient surgical approach for coverage of extensive full-thickness burn injuries. The aim of this retrospective study is to present our experience with the Meek technique of grafting, including our outcomes and recommendations.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients from our burn center who underwent Meek grafting between 2012 and 2016. Patient records were reviewed individually and patient demographics, mechanism of injury and surgical management were recorded. Outcome measures, including graft take rate, complications and need for further surgery, were also recorded.

Results: Twelve patients had Meek grafting procedures. The average age was 38 years (range 15–66). The average total burn surface area was 54.3% (range 31–77%). 83% of grafted areas healed well and did not require re-grafting. In the remaining 17%, infection and hematoma were the leading cause of graft failure.

Conclusions: Meek grafting is a useful method of skin expansion in patients with large burn wounds. Management is simple and more efficient when a scheme comprising topographical division of body surface and a well-coordinated interplay of wound care and coverage is incorporated.