Experiencia con el uso de membrana amniótica, ¿qué hacemos si no tenemos un banco de tejidos?

Background and objective. There are different types of skin substitutes, including human amniotic membrane, which is the oldest of all. It has different properties: it acts as an analgesic barrier, is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, promotes epithelialization and reduces fibrosis, among others. Its use is described in different types of wounds, such as chronic ulcers, refractory vascular ulcers, burns, etc. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with the use of human amniotic membrane in different types of wounds in a specialized center in La Paz, Bolivia, where we do not have a tissue bank nor do we have amniotic membrane available in its commercial form. Methods. Retrospective study describing the method of obtaining, storing and using human amniotic membrane in different cases, and its behavior while it is stored in cold storage. Results. We present 4 clinical cases as an example: burn, dissecting hematoma with chronic wound, chemical burn and dog bite. Regarding the conservation of the amniotic membrane, in our study it was free of contamination for up to 3 months. Conclusions. In our experience, the amniotic membrane is a useful and easy-to-obtain dermal substitute, which can be used in various types of wounds, with a storage that was simple for us and that we believe can be easily reproduced in those places that do not have a tissue bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]