Place of Total Self-Skin Transplant in the Management of Burns in Children: Results and Predictive Factors

Introduction: Skin transplant is essential in the management of skin substance losses, especially in deep burns. Our work aims to present, through a series of cases, the results of the skin self-transplant carried out to supplement the treatment of skin burns. Materials and Methods: A one-year prospective study of the total self-skin transplant performed in the management of burns in children was included. After clinic and biologic considerations, a total self-skin transplant was performed. Results: Forty-five burns were hospitalized, of which six patients received a total self-skin transplant. The average age was 7.43 years with male predominance. The burns were deep thermal burns, preferentially located on the trunk and upper limbs covering over 10% - 25% of the body surface of which 3% - 13% was transplanted. Transplant held in all patients. The surfaces left in spontaneous healing took at least 6 months to heal with some complications. Discussion: We performed a total self-skin transplant beyond technical reasons, for the best aesthetic and functional result it offers. The transplant significantly reduced the healing time with better aesthetic and functional results. The burned surfaces left to direct healing took an average of 6 months to heal and there were associated complications such as formation of keloid scars, hypertrophic plaques and skin retractions leading to cosmetic deformities. The final results appear to be independent of the time required to complete the transplant, and it will be necessary to ensure that there is no local and systemic infection and anaemia. Conclusion: Total self-skin grafting still has its place in the initial management of burns in children. It offers good aesthetic and functional results.