The Meek micrografting technique: clinical applications and outcomes in practice

Objective: To describe the experience and outcomes of using the Meek micrograft technique in severely burned patients with limited donor areas (n=4) at the National Medical Center “20 de Noviembre”, Mexico City, Mexico. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational and longitudinal study of four patients with burns >25% of the total body surface area (TBSA) treated with the Meek micrograft technique combined with special dressings (polyurethane foam dressings with silver) was conducted. Variables included age, sex, comorbidities, TBSA, Garcés severity index, aetiological agent, number of interventions, graft integration percentage and epithelialisation. Results: Four patients of different age groups, with various comorbidities and Garcés severity indices >25%, were included. The average number of surgical interventions was 5.5. The Meek micrograft technique with a 4:1 expansion ratio was used, achieving an average graft integration of 80% at 7 days and 95% epithelialisation at 5 weeks. Conclusion: The Meek micrograft technique is safe and easy to perform, demonstrating excellent results and advantages over other techniques for skin coverage in patients with burns >25% with limited donor areas. However, it is expensive and not routinely available in Mexican institutions.