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Tissue repair in neonatal and pediatric surgery: analysis on infections in surgically implanted natural biomaterials
Amulya K Saxena1, Piotr Soltysiak2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chelsea Children's Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Fdn Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK - amulya.saxena@nhs.net.
Insights
Natural biomaterials are increasingly used in pediatric reconstructive surgery. While infections can occur, particularly with burn wounds, the overall infection rate remains acceptable for continued use in pediatric procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pediatric Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Natural and synthetic biomaterials have been utilized in pediatric reconstructive surgery for over 40 years.
- Growing interest in tissue engineering research has led to increased demand for these materials globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify types of commercially available natural biomaterials used in pediatric reconstructive procedures.
- To determine the application areas of these natural biomaterials in the pediatric population.
- To analyze biomaterial types and application areas with increased susceptibility to infections in children.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted from 1970 to 2015 using Medline.
- Data on the application of various natural biomaterials were collected.
- A specific search focused on infections associated with biomaterial implantation.
Main Results:
- The overall rate of major infection following biomaterial implantation was 5% in 298 reviewed cases.
- Pediatric patients with acute burn wounds treated with biomaterials exhibited higher infection rates, ranging from 5% to 33%.
- Biomaterial-associated infections were observed despite appropriate implantation techniques and postoperative care.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of biomaterial-associated infections in pediatric surgery is not a prohibitive factor for their use.
- Continued research and development in tissue engineering are driving the demand for biomaterials.
- Minimizing infection risk requires meticulous surgical technique and diligent postoperative management.
Introduction:
Over the past 4 decades commercially available natural and synthetic biomaterials have been employed for various reconstructive procedures in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to identify the types of commercially available natural biomaterials and their areas of application in the pediatric age group. Furthermore, to perform an analysis to identify areas of application and types of biomaterials those have increased susceptibility to infections in the pediatric population.
Evidence Acquisition:
The literature was reviewed from 1970-2015 using a Medline search and data concerning application of different natural biomaterials was collected. Specific search was performed regarding to infections associated with these biomaterials.
Evidence Synthesis:
The rate of major infection after implantation of the biomaterial in the group of 298 reviewed cases was 5%. Patients with acute burn wounds which were treated with biomaterials presented the group with higher infection rates of 5-33%.
Conclusions:
The demand for these biomaterials has exponentially increased due to the worldwide rise in interest in tissue engineering research. Even using the appropriate techniques of implantation and professional postoperative care biomaterial associated infections cannot be eliminated. However, the current rate of infections is not a limiting factor for using the biomaterials in pediatric surgery.
