The document summarizes the estimated annual savings from using boardless skin meshers for burn surgery compared to traditional meshers that require disposable meshing boards. It finds that between 2007-2012, there were on average 86 burn surgeries per year requiring meshed skin grafts. By not needing disposable meshing boards, the hospital estimates an annual savings of at least £3467, and up to £6934 if assuming 4 boards used per case on average. The results suggest boardless meshers can help reduce long-term costs of burn care while maintaining patient outcomes.

1. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012
www.PosterPresentations.com
Skin graft meshers are essential tools in the surgical
management of burn injuries.
At our hospital we have used the non-board (Brennen,
Minnesota, US) skin meshers since 2002.
Since they do not require the use of meshing boards, there are
potential savings to be made on consumable costs.
In light of the recent financial crisis, we sought to quantify the
savings made from the introduction of these meshers to the
trust.
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
The current cost of meshing boards was obtained from invoices
from local manufacturers.
The average number of burns cases requiring meshed skin
grafts per year was derived from theatre records.
Savings were calculated on the basis that 2-4 meshing boards
would be required per case, on average, if other skin meshers
were used
Mr Jolyon May, Mr Kayvan Shokrollahi
Mersey Burn Centre, Whiston Hospital
Estimated Annual Savings With the Use of
Boardless Skin Meshers in Burns Surgery
BBA May 2013
.
Meshing boards (Zimmer, Indiana, US) currently retail at
£403.20 (incl VAT) for a box of 20.
Between November 2007 and November 2012, a total of 428
burn surgeries requiring meshed skin grafts were performed
(average 86/yr).
Annual savings of at least £3467 are made since disposable
meshing boards are not required.
Savings increase to £6934 if we assume 4 meshing boards per
case, which is still a reasonable estimate.
X
Cost saving, without compromise of patient care, is essential
in the current NHS climate.
Savings are estimates only, but are deliberately conservative.
Large burns may require the use of over 10 meshing boards per
surgery.
These results justify the investment in non-board meshers,
and could be one way for services to reduce the long-term
costs of burn care.