5-year experience of BTM reconstruction in paediatric burns

Paul Baker¹, Victoria Lo¹, Lindsay Damkat-Thomas¹, Mohammad Nassimizadeh Richard Wong She¹,
¹Te Whatu Ora – Counties Manukau, Auckland New Zealand

Abstract

The National Burn Centre of New Zealand admits approximately 130 paediatric burn patients per annum. Of these, approximately two to four are complex or major burn injuries.

BTM was introduced into our practice in 2018. Since that time, we have used this product in 15 paediatric cases (16 years and under) and over 230 adult patients. Average age was 11 years-old, range 2-16 years. Eight cases were following burn injury, 4 traumatic soft tissue avulsion, 2 necrotising soft tissue infection, and 1 extravasation. Of the eight burn patients, average TBSA was 53% (range 20-85%).

We present our experience with this product and helpful “tips and tricks” for its management based on our combined experience and will highlight differences in the paediatric population. We observe earlier time to grafting when compared to our adult burn population. We observe improved cosmetic results however increased length of stay when used in smaller burn injuries. BTM is also a useful reconstructive option in massive burn injuries with limited donor site availability and in mass casualty situations.

Biography

Current Burn Fellow at the New Zealand National Burn Centre, Qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon