Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) in complex wound reconstruction. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis as per the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines following a literature search assessing BTM in complex wound reconstruction. The primary outcome measures included the proportion of BTM integration as well as integration time. Secondary outcomes included graft take over BTM, infection rate and other complications as well as scar outcome. RESULTS: Twenty six studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1153 complex wounds. The mean proportional integration was 92.7% at (95% confidence intervals [CI] 88.57, 96.87, p < 0.001) with a mean integration time of 34.05 days (95% CI 33.33, 34.79, p < 0.001). The infection rate was low at 12.6% with an untransformed proportion metric assessment (0.126, 0.08-0.168, p < 0.001) at the site of BTM application. Favourable scar outcomes were reported using the matching assessment using photographs with scars (MAPS) and patient and observer scar assessment scales (POSAS). CONCLUSION: BTM offers a robust dermal template in reconstruction of complex wounds. The authors recommend for randomised controlled trials to enhance the current evidence base.