The application of glycerol-preserved skin allograft in the treatment of burn injuries: an analysis based on indications.

INTRODUCTION: Glycerol-preserved skin allograft (GPA) plays a crucial role in the management of burns. Its indications include wound-bed preparation, definitive dressing and sandwich grafting technique. OBJECTIVE: We analysed the experience of using GPA and its efficacy in burn treatment in our burn centre. METHODS: All burns managed with GPA in our burn centre from October 2001 to May 2008 were analysed. RESULTS: Mean total body surface area (TBSA) of 43 consecutive cases was 28.7%. GPA adhered to the wound for an average of 8.4 days before rejection. The length of hospital stay of the survivors was 42.5 days. The autograft take after wound-bed preparation with GPA was 88.4%. For sandwich grafting technique, the autograft take was 74.4%. When GPA was applied for partial-thickness burn as definitive dressing, all patients achieved complete healing within an average of 19 days without further surgical intervention. Despite colonisation of burn wounds after application of skin allograft, the outcomes of autograft take and wound healing were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The selective and strategic use of the GPA in major burn patients ensures optimal benefits in the management of burns. It is versatile in various categories of burn wounds with minimal morbidity.