Work

Periocular reconstruction with acellular fish skin xenograft after severe thermal burn: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: After a thermal burn the eyelids are highly susceptible to cicatricial forces. Donor sites for full-thickness skin grafts are limited in patients with large total body surface area burns. Acellular fish-skin xenografts are non-mammalian dermal substitutes that support neovascularization and granulation in burns and periocular defects. We report a case of a 47-year-old man who presented with approximately 50% total body surface area burns. He developed progressive cicatricial ectropion of all four eyelids and subsequent exposure keratopathy. Given the extent of his burns and limited donor sites, he underwent reconstruction of all four eyelids using fish-skin xenografts. Three surgeries using fish-skin xenografts achieved decreased scarring and restored lid-globe apposition. Subsequent full-thickness skin grafting was then performed. At final follow-up, the patient had a stable ocular surface, no recurrent ectropion or entropion, and only mild residual lagophthalmos. Acellular fish-skin xenografts are highly valuable for complex thermal burns with high contracture risk.

Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2026.102690

Authors: Lynchel M. Brumaire, Lalita Gupta

Institutions: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Burn Injury Management and Outcomes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,590