The effect of different graft sizes used in the preparation of uncultured cell spray on the treatment results in the experimental burn model

A split-thickness autograft is the standard treatment of choice in the surgical management of deep burns. Recently non-cultured autologous cells have shown to be as effective as split-thickness autografts in the surgical treatment of second degree burns. In this study, it was aimed to determine the optimal ratio of donor/burn area in the treatment of deep second degree burns with non-cultured cell spray method. Twenty four Wistar-albino male rats were enrolled in the study; the rats were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Two different areas of second degree burn, each with the size of 2 cm² were created on the dorsal skin of each rat. On the fifth day of the experiment intended approach was implemented. The first burn area in group A (first group) was left untreated, the second burn area in group A (second group) underwent a tangential excision procedure. Autologous cell spray obtained from 2 cm2, 1 cm2, 0.5 cm2, and 0.25 cm2 inguinal donor area sites was applied to the first and second burn areas in group B and the first and second burn areas in group B group C, respectively. Response to the treatment was evaluated on the fourteenth day after the procedure; rats were sacrificed, and wound areas were examined both macroscopically and histopathologically. The percentage of necrosis was assessed macroscopically by a direct observational method. Histopathologic examination included the assessment of ulcer size (mm) and inflammatory response (score: 0-3). Results of necrosis percentage, ulcer size and inflammatory response compared to the untreated group were all statistically significantly better in the group with a donor /burn area ratio of 1:2 (p=0.007, p=0.041, p=0.043). Further studies are needed to assess the suitability and effectiveness of this method as an alternative to split-thickness otografting in humans and evaluate the possibility of further reduction in the donor site area.