Dr Jessica Papali’i-curtin¹, Dr Sandhya Deo¹, Mr Christopher Adams¹

¹Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Abstract:
Introduction: Biobrane is a synthetic bilaminar membrane used in the management of partial thickness burns.  Biobrane facilitates wound healing with minimal pain, minimal dressing changes and shorter hospitalisations1-4. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes of the use of Biobrane for partial thickness burns.

Method:  A retrospective audit was performed on all patients who received Biobrane to an acute burn at Hutt Hospital between 1/1/12 and 31/12/16. The audit included demographic and operative details, adherence to the hospital’s Biobrane protocol and complications.

Results: During the study period 133 patients had Biobrane applied to a burn.  All patients had Biobrane applied under sterile conditions in the operating theatre. 83% of patients were <16 years of age and 63% were male.  The majority were scald burns (89%).  96% of patients were taken to theatre within 24 hours of the injury and 95% of patients only required one operation for their injury.  There was large variation in the antibiotic regimen used.  The average length of stay was 3.3 days (adults 6.3 days, children 2.6 days). 90% of patients who attended follow up appointments demonstrated good healing. Five patients developed hypertrophic scarring.  Complications occurred in 8.3% of patients. Seven patients had wound infections and 4 patients subsequently required skin grafting.  7 patients required readmission for complications.

Conclusion:  Despite the cost, the reduction in theatre visits and dressing changes makes Biobrane an economical and practical choice.  Our experience with Biobrane suggests it is a safe and effective product with low risk of complications.

Biography:
I currently work at Hutt Hospital.