Objectives:
Absence of almost the entire dermis is inherent to the use of autologous split thickness skin grafting (STSG), which often results in contractures and/or rigid and thick hypertrophic scarring. Numerous dermal substitutes have been developed, but many of them unfortunately with variable results in terms of improvement compared to the use of STSG alone. Additionally, the high costs involved have been acknowledged as an important drawback and have been reported to form one of the main reasons for the reluctant attitude of surgeons concerning its use. Bilayered skin reconstruction using the human derived glycerolized acellular dermis (Glyaderm®) has already been reported to result in significantly improved scar elasticity, but this when making use of a two-step procedure. In the current clinical trial we investigated the use of Glyaderm in a single-stage setting.
Methods:
A prospective, controlled, randomized, intra-individual, single-blinded study was performed, investigating the simultaneous application of Glyaderm® and STSG versus STSG alone in full thickness burns or comparable skin defects in 82 wound comparisons (66 patients). During the acute phase bacterial load, graft take (primary outcome) and time to wound closure were assessed. Scar quality (secondary outcomes) was evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up using subjective and objective scar measurement tools. Biopsies for histological analysis were taken at 3 and 12 months follow-up.
Results:
Graft take (>95%), pain management and wound healing time were optimal and comparable in both groups. No Glyaderm nor autografts were lost in the immediate post-operative phase. At 1 year follow-up, the patients subjectively preferred the sites that received dermal substitution. The majority of patients attributed the difference to an improved skin sensation. Histological analysis of Glyaderm-treated sites showed the presence of a well-formed neodermis, with donor elastin present up to 12 months.
Conclusions:
Simultaneous bilayered reconstruction with Glyaderm® for the restoration of full thickness skin defects in a single-stage procedure results in optimal graft take, does not lead to loss of dermal substitutes nor the covering autografts due to infection, provides improved patient satisfaction and the presence of a highly durable collagen-elastin based matrix has been demonstrated 1 year post-application.

**Objectives:**
Absence of almost the entire dermis is inherent to the use of autologous split thickness skin grafting (STSG), which often results in contractures and/or rigid and thick hypertrophic scarring. Numerous dermal substitutes have been developed, but many of them unfortunately with variable results in terms of improvement compared to the use of STSG alone. Additionally, the high costs involved have been acknowledged as an important drawback and have been reported to form one of the main reasons for the reluctant attitude of surgeons concerning its use. Bilayered skin reconstruction using the human derived glycerolized acellular dermis (Glyaderm®) has already been reported to result in significantly improved scar elasticity, but this when making use of a two-step procedure. In the current clinical trial we investigated the use of Glyaderm in a single-stage setting.
**Methods:**
A prospective, controlled, randomized, intra-individual, single-blinded study was performed, investigating the simultaneous application of Glyaderm® and STSG versus STSG alone in full thickness burns or comparable skin defects in 82 wound comparisons (66 patients). During the acute phase bacterial load, graft take (primary outcome) and time to wound closure were assessed. Scar quality (secondary outcomes) was evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up using subjective and objective scar measurement tools. Biopsies for histological analysis were taken at 3 and 12 months follow-up.
**Results:**
Graft take (>95%), pain management and wound healing time were optimal and comparable in both groups. No Glyaderm nor autografts were lost in the immediate post-operative phase. At 1 year follow-up, the patients subjectively preferred the sites that received dermal substitution. The majority of patients attributed the difference to an improved skin sensation. Histological analysis of Glyaderm-treated sites showed the presence of a well-formed neodermis, with donor elastin present up to 12 months.
**Conclusions:**
Simultaneous bilayered reconstruction with Glyaderm® for the restoration of full thickness skin defects in a single-stage procedure results in optimal graft take, does not lead to loss of dermal substitutes nor the covering autografts due to infection, provides improved patient satisfaction and the presence of a highly durable collagen-elastin based matrix has been demonstrated 1 year post-application.

P.121 Bilayered skin reconstruction using Glycerolised Acellular Dermis (Glyaderm) as a dermal replacement simultaneously with split thickness skin grafts leads to long-term improved patient satisfaction.

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