An easy method for preparation of postage stamp autografts

A modified technique of postage stamp autografting is studied. By using quick cutting plates, chessboard tray, skiing technique and petrolatum gauze, skin islands can be uniformly located and correctly oriented on the gauze. Moving the skin squares on the stainless steel tray is relatively easy, and the expansion ratio can be predicted by means of the chessboard diagram. The skin island grafts adhere to the petrolatum gauze when the gauze is applied to the tray. Then, as in the modified Meek technique, the "autografting carrier" can be used to cover the burn wound. In comparison with the modified Meek technique, this method does not require expensive equipment. The quick cutting plates can take over the function of the modified Meek-Wall dermatome. The stainless steel trays and the petrolatum gauze are easily available. The advantages of this method include: (1) the expansion ratio can reach up to 1:9, (2) the preparation procedures are not time consuming, (3) regular distribution of these skin islands shortens the healing time, and (4) the cost of this method is relative low. The results of this technique are comparable to that of the modified Meek technique. This preliminary study reveals that this technique is an easy and economic alternative for the treatment of extensive burn patients. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.