Objective. To analyze the results of Menzul’s autologous skin grafting with split-thickness mesh transplant in combat casualties.

Material and methods. The study enrolled 80 wounded who underwent autologous skin grafting: group 1 — 38 (47.5%) wounded after Menzul’s autologous skin grafting, group 2 — 42 (52.5%) wounded after Tanner procedure. Both groups were comparable in age, gender, severity of injuries and location of wounds. Special features of Menzul’s autologous skin grafting were innovative mesh autologous skin graft and wound treatment according to original method “in own liquid medium”.

Results. Wound epithelialization time was 13.9±0.9 (95% CI 13.6-14.3) and 20.3±1.3 (95% CI 19.9-20.8) days, respectively (p=0.001). Partial lysis of the graft was detected in 1 and 5 patients, respectively (p<0.001). After 3 months, hypertrophic scars were detected in 2 (5.7%) and 5 (11.9%) patients, respectively (p<0.001). VAS score of dressing-related pain was 2.1±0.3 and 4.5±1.1, respectively (p<0.001). The Dermatology Life Quality Index was 5.1±0.3 and 10.2±0.5, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Menzul’s autologous skin grafting provides earlier epithelization (13.9±0.9 and 20.3±1.3 days, respectively, p=0.001), lower incidence of coarse postoperative scars (11.9% and 5.7%, p<0.001) and negative cosmetic effects (p=0.0171). This procedure is preferable for restoration of skin defects after thermal and mechanical damage.

Keywords. autodermoplasty, skin graft, thermomechanical injury, skin perforator, gunshot wound, Menzul