[Sequential grafts of cutaneous cells: First results of a new procedure and review of the literature].

Objective: A new choice for major burn wounds is presented. An alternative method for skin grafting and cutaneous substitute for bum victims and chronic non healing wounds. The new method of skin grafting is applied repetitively and non-invasively until healing is achieved. PATIENTS AND PROCEDURE: 39 patients including 33 burns victims and six with chronic wounds were treated between February and September 2012. One to four square centimeters of autologous skin graft were transformed with biodegradation of cellular peptic bonds with the goal of obtaining a rich solution of cutaneous cells (1.5 million skin cells/cm2). The process duration averaged 100 minutes. Part of the solution was sprayed immediately on the recipient skin zones. The remaining solution was divided up and kept in cryotubes inside a container of liquid nitrogen. Successive sprays were performed at each dressing.

Results: Good esthetic results on the whole as well as functional for patients with deep 2nd degree burns; healing was achieved in 10-12 days. Third degree burns and chronic wounds showed encouraging results for small surfaces.

Discussion: We present a new original technique without prior in vitro culture that gives autologous cellular grafts, including epidermal, junctional and stem cells that are necessary for skin regeneration. The contraindications to the technique are infected, oozing, hemorrhagic or granulomatous wounds.

Conclusion: This is a technique that deserves to be practiced and should have its place in the therapeutic arsenal of burns and chronic wounds.