Autologous cultured keratinocytes: Significance in plastic surgery

There have been many clinical and scientific advancements since the first clinical case using cultured keratinocytes was performed in 1981. Autologous cultured keratinocytes are applied for the permanent coverage of wounds. In contrast, the allogeneic type is thought to be an ideal biological dressing due to the stimulating epithelialization from the remnant skin appendage and wound margin. This paper focuses on the autologous type and describes our clinical experiences, including four cases: a third-degree burn, a giant nevus, a vitiligo, and a meshed skin graft scar. From 1985, we have treated the following diseases with autologous cultured keratinocytes and have had satisfactory results: I) Full thickness skin defect: Third- degree burn, giant nevus - Allogeneic skin graft is performed before autologous cultured keratinocyte grafting (Cuono's method) - II) Skin color disorder: Vitiligo, pigmentation or depigmentation after conventional skin grafting - III) Skin surface irregularity: Burn scar, meshed skin graft scar - Autologous cultured keratinocyte grafts are well known as a useful procedure for massive burns. Furthermore, they are also beneficial for the treatment of various kinds of disfigurements in plastic surgery.