SRS150 - Use of biodegradable temporising matrix NovoSorb® in the reconstruction of complex wounds at a regional burns unit: the northern ireland experience

Abstract Background Comprehensive thermal or traumatic full-thickness injuries have always posed major challenges for reconstruction. Prompt wound closure is detrimental to reducing the risk of infection and subsequent functional impairment. BTM is a synthetic dermal matrix utilised for the reconstruction of complex wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use and outcomes of BTM in complex wound reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all consecutive patients who underwent BTM application August 2021 to November 2023 at the regional burns unit in Northern Ireland. Data was collected using the electronic patient records, the burns unit database, theatre logs and the hospital image database. Results Over 2 years, 36 patients underwent BTM application (acute burns, n = 14; burn contractures, n = 10; fasciotomy wounds, n = 2; other complex wounds, n = 10). The mean age was 49 years, and the M:F ratio was 2:1. Wound swabs were positive in 6 (17%) patients prior to BTM application, while 12 further patients developed positive swabs after application. Staph Aureus was the commonest isolated organism in 10 patients, of which 4 were MRSA. BTM integration and subsequent split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) were successful in 34 (94%) of patients with an average duration of 4 weeks. BTM was removed due to infection and loss of integration in two patients. Conclusions BTM provided a reliable and safe reconstructive solution for complex wounds that would otherwise necessitate more intricate procedures amongst our patients in Northern Ireland. MRSA-colonised BTM was not an exception to this positive outcome.