[Value of cutaneous allografts in the treatment of severe burns].

Abstract

Skin allografts are essential for survival in patients who have suffered major third degree burns over more than 50% of the body surface in order to maintain covering until autografts from less severely wounded areas can be performed or until keratinocyte cultures have grown. Allografts have thus been increasingly used for severe burn patients. It has been estimated that 150 m2 are grafted per year in France. Both fresh and frozen tissue can be used thanks to the organization of graft banks and safe storage.