Objectives Enzymatic debridement using Bromelain Enriched Enzyme Mixture (NexoBrid™) products is effective in deep burns debridement, keeping the unaffected areas intact. It can be associated with grafting with split-thickness skin grafts or micrografting (Meek technique) in the case of large areas of burns with minimal donor areas. Methods We studied a group of 23 patients (10 women and 13 men) with burns with an area between 10 and 60% TBSA. In all the cases, we used the enzymatic debridement in the first 48 hours, on a surface between 5% and 15% TBSA maximal surface, respecting the indications of the product. It was used for different anatomical regions: upper limbs in 8 cases, anterior thorax and abdomen in 10 cases, dorsal face of the legs in 3 cases and 2 cases in the calves. In all the cases, enzymatic debridement was used on the deep burn area. Results The use of enzymatic debridement in the thoracic limbs was followed by secondary epithelialization without the need for split-thickness skin grafts. In all the cases where it was used on the abdomen and anterior thorax, enzymatic debridement was followed by the application of split-thickness skin grafts on an area between 25 and 80% of the previously enzymatically debrided surface or micrografts harvested with Meek technique to reduce the donor surface area and blood loss. Conclusions Enzymatic debridement is an alternative to surgical debridement that provides speed, tissue selectivity and safety. Bromelain enzymatic debridement appears to be superior to surgical debridement in terms of its ability to preserve healthy tissues (avoiding blood loss during surgical burn excision) and graft donor sites, with associated morbidity, better outcomes, and early mobilization of patients. The use of NexoBrid™ shows a better aesthetic appearance of the scars compared to those obtained after surgical debridement. The association of these two types of treatment can be considered in extensive burns of variable depth. We also observed that the early use of NexoBrid™ in deep, circular burns of the limbs could prevent the development of compartment syndrome; however, further studies are necessary for the confirmation of this hypothesis.

P.068 Efficiency of enzymatic debridement (NexoBrid®) and the association with other different surgical techniques in deep burn wounds – personal experience

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre