Author/Authors :
Dahmardehei, Mostafa Burn Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Vaghardoost, Reza Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - St. Fatima Hospital, School of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Saboury, Mahdy Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - St. Fatima Hospital, School of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Zarei, Hamze Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Imam Ali Hospital - School of Medicine - Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Saboury, Shahriar Department of Surgery - Firoozgar Hospital - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Molaei, Mehdi Burn Research Center - Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan , Seyyedi, Jalal Burn Research Center - Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan , Maleknejad, Abdulbaset Burn Research Center - Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan
Abstract :
BACKGROUND
Covering burn wounds, especially high surface area burns has been always a challenge for surgeons. The Meek technique has
been introduced to increase the covering area. There is paucity
of clinical trials comparing the Meek technique and mesh in the
same individuals to assess it efficacy.
METHODS
In a case-control study, 20 patients with grade III burns who
underwent the Meek technique and mesh in different areas/limbs
were enrolled. Expansion rate, re-epithelization, operation time,
wound infection, graft failure, etc. were compared between the
two groups.
RESULTS
Among patients, 18 were males and 2 were females. The mean of
total body surface area (TBSA) was 36.9±16.6%. Mean time of
re-epithelialization in the Meek group was 2.8±2.5 months and
in the mesh group was 5.0±2.1 months (p=0.01). Operation time
was shorter in modified Meek technique (p=0.04). Expansion
ratio was higher in modified Meek technique (p=0.04). Local
wound infection rates were slightly different without a statistically
significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Meek technique provided higher surface area coverage in
comparison to mesh; in addition to faster re-epithelization.
Therefore, it is recommended to consider the Meek technique as a
routine procedure, especially those with high surface area burns.
Keywords :
Burns , Meek technique , Mesh , Autograft
