Abstract
The RECELL® autologous cell harvesting system （covered by insurance in Japan since September 1, 2022） is used for the treatment of burns. It creates an autologous cell mixture by immersing small fragments of the patient’s skin in an enzyme solution, passing them through a buffer solution, and separating the cells with a scalpel. The mixture is then directly sprayed onto burn wounds to promote early epithelialization. Several case reports about the use of RECELL have been published from Japan describing the efficacy of the system in achieving similar outcomes with a smaller harvested skin area compared with split-thickness skin grafts alone. Additionally, this technique can reduce the epithelialization time at the donor site. However, as an upcoming treatment methodology, there are concerns about RECELL® regarding the optimal timing of treatment, the most appropriate burn sites and depths, the choice of postoperative wound dressings, and the timing of dressing changes. Herein, we present two cases of extensive burns treated with RECELL® elaborating on our treatment approach and the patient’s postoperative course, and discuss potential future developments of this technique.
