Eye-tracked computer games as a method for pain perception alleviation in chronic wound management.

Introduction: Chronic pain frequently accompanies the daily lives of many chronic wound patients. The degree of pain experienced significantly increases when performing medical procedures related to wound management. The use of eye-tracked games in order to distract the patient's attention from the painful activities performed can be an effective procedure. Aim: Assesment of eye-trackers as a distractors during wound management. Material and methods: Forty patients suffering from chronic wounds were qualified for the study. Patients performed eye tracking games during dressing changes and wound cleaning. Pain sensations were surveyed. The survey concerned the pain experienced on a daily basis, when changing the dressing without use and with the use of eye trackers. Results: It was found that eye trackers significantly reduced the pain experienced during dressing changes compared to the pain caused by these procedures, but without the use of eye trackers. Conclusions: On the basis of the obtained results, it was proposed to introduce eye trackers into routine clinical practice during chronic wound management.

The urgent need to achieve an optimal strategic stock of human allogeneic skin graft materials in case of a mass disaster in Poland.

A burn is a sudden injury which immediate or long-term consequences may be life-threatening for the patient. A mass disaster event may involve large numbers of severely burned patients. Patients of this type typically have a limited area of healthy, unburned skin from which an autologous split thickness skin graft could be collected. In a clinical situation of this type, it is necessary to use a particular skin substitute. Non-viable allogeneic human skin graft materials might be considered as the most suitable skin substitutes in the treatment of such patients. At present, Poland does not have a sufficient supply of human allogeneic skin graft materials to meet the needs arising from a sudden and unforeseen mass disaster. This study involved an analysis of selected mass disasters. From this an estimate was made from a verified casualty profile of the necessary minimum stock of human allogeneic skin graft materials. An insufficient amount of skin results from an inadequate number of skin donors, which in turn results from the current tissue donation system. Therefore, a proposal has been made for the organizational, legal and systemic changes required to improve the situation in Polish transplantology, with particular emphasis on skin donation. In order to achieve a strategic stock of human skin grafts, a tissue collecting transplantation team should be organized. The rights and obligations of the non-physician transplant team member should be extended. Proposals have been made for awareness campaigns (adverts, posters etc.) and educational schemes (educational video, lectures during transplant coordinator training, etc.). Finally, a proposal has been made for possible methods to deal with the logistic management of the allogeneic skin stock. The required, essential stock of human allogeneic skin in the event of a mass disaster has been estimated at 600,000 cm2.

Surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic disease, which causes painful discomfort. The main regions involved in this disease are axillary, inguinal and perianal. The etiology is unknown at present. It is suggested that genetics, smoking and diabetes are involved in HS. General treatment consists of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory biological drugs. HS is a multidisciplinary disease, which involves surgical treatment as well. We would like to present surgical treatment in HS. Deroofing and drainage/incisions are the most frequent techniques in general surgery departments. The article describes additional techniques such as skin grafts and flaps. We conclude that local flaps are the best choice in surgical treatment.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: bacteriological study in surgical treatment.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory chronic disease of the hair follicles that presents with different lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the human body. There are many possible factors for HS. Acne inversa is not primarily considered to be an infectious disease. A variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been found from the lesions sporadically. Aim: To assess the bacteriological profile of HS before surgical treatment. Material and methods: We collected specimens for aerobic microbiological testing from 18 patients before surgical treatment in our hospital. The specimens were obtained from abscesses, directly from skin fistulas, on day 1 of hospitalisation. Results: The most common bacteria in HS lesions were Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. In 4 patients we found multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MLSB, MRSA and A. baumannii). Conclusions: Long-term antibiotic treatment can cause multi-drug resistance in strains collected in HS lesions.

Tissue Engineering in Skin Substitute.

Thermal injuries may cause significant damage to large areas of the skin. Extensive and deep burn wounds require specialized therapy. The optimal method in the strategy of treating extensive, full thickness burns (III°) is the use of autologous split thickness skin grafts STSG (Busuioc et al. Rom J Morphol Embryol 4:1061-1067, 2012; Kitala D, Kawecki M, Klama-Baryla A, Labus W, Kraut M, Glik J, Ryszkiel I, Kawecki MP, Nowak M. Allogeneic vs. Autologous Skin Grafts in the Therapy of Patients with Burn Injuries: A Restrospective, Open-label Clinical Study with Pair Matching. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2016 Sep-Oct;25(5):923-929.; Glik J, Kawecki M, Kitala D, Klama-Baryla A, Labus W, Grabowski M, Durdzinska A, Nowak M, Misiuga M, Kasperczyk A. A new option for definitive burn wound closure - pair matching type of retrospective case-control study of hand burns in the hospitalized patients group in the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Center for Burn Treatment between 2009 and 2015. Int Wound J. 2017 Feb 21. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12720 . [Epub ahead of print]; Prim et al. May 24Wound Repair Regen., 2017; Grossova et al. Mar 31Ann Burns Fire Disasters 30:5-8, 2017). The main limitation of that method is the inadequate amount of healthy, undamaged skin (donor sites), which could be harvested and used as a graft. Moreover, donor sites are an additional wounds that require analgesic therapy, leave scars during the healing process and they are highly susceptible to infection (1-6). It must be emphasized that in terms of the treatment of severe, deep and extensive burns, and there should be no doubt that the search for a biocompatible skin substitute that would be able to replace autologous STSG is an absolute priority. The above-mentioned necessitates the search for new treatment methods of severe burn wounds. Such methods could consider the preparation and application of bioengineered, natural skin substitutes. At present, as the clinical standard considered by the physicians may be use of available biological skin substitutes, e.g., human allogeneic skin, in vitro cultured skin cells, acellular dermal matrix ADM and revitalized ADMs, etc. (Busuioc et al. Rom J Morphol Embryol 4:1061-1067, 2012; Kitala D, Kawecki M, Klama-Baryla A, Labus W, Kraut M, Glik J, Ryszkiel I, Kawecki MP, Nowak M. Allogeneic vs. Autologous Skin Grafts in the Therapy of Patients with Burn Injuries: A Restrospective, Open-label Clinical Study with Pair Matching. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2016 Sep-Oct;25(5):923-929.; Glik J, Kawecki M, Kitala D, Klama-Baryla A, Labus W, Grabowski M, Durdzinska A, Nowak M, Misiuga M, Kasperczyk A. A new option for definitive burn wound closure - pair matching type of retrospective case-control study of hand burns in the hospitalised patients group in the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Center for Burn Treatment between 2009 and 2015. Int Wound J. 2017 Feb 21. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12720 . [Epub ahead of print]; Prim et al. May 24Wound Repair Regen., 2017; Grossova et al. Mar 31Ann Burns Fire Disasters 30:5-8, 2017; Labus et al. FebJ Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 106:726-733, 2018).

Preparation of placental tissue transplants and their application in skin wound healing and chosen skin bullous diseases - Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis treatment.

Unique properties of amniotic membrane make it a promising source for tissue engineering and a clinically useful alternative for patients suffering from chronic wounds including, for example, ulcers, burns, ocular surface damages and wounds occurring in the course of bullous diseases like stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Its use has many advantages over standard wound care, as it contains pluripotent cells, nutrients, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Placental tissues can be prepared as a medical component, an advanced therapy medicinal product or a tissue graft. In addition to basic preparation procedures such as washing, rinsing, cutting, drying and sterilisation, there are many optional steps such as perforation, crosslinking and decellularisation. Finally, transplants should be properly stored-in cryopreserved or dehydrated form. In recent years, many studies including basic science and clinical trials have proven the potential to expand the use of amniotic membrane and amnion-derived cells to the fields of orthopaedics, dentistry, surgery, urology, vascular tissue engineering and even oncology. In this review, we discuss the role of placental tissues in skin wound healing and in the treatment of various diseases, with particular emphasis on bullous diseases. We also describe some patented procedures for placental tissue grafts preparation.

A 2000 patient retrospective assessment of a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment.

Infections in burn patients are still the principal cause of complications in burn injuries. The aim of this study is to assess a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment in the experience of the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Slaskie. The applied methodology involved the analysis of patient records describing the hospital's epidemiological situation between 2014 and 2016. The analysis also included the use and cost of antibiotics, silver-containing dressings, and other antiseptics relative to the number of sepsis cases, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the mortality ratio. The total costs of prevention and treatment of infections were reduced, while the use of silver-containing dressings and antiseptics increased. The number of patients with sepsis decreased, including cases caused by P. aeruginosa, and the mortality ratio was reduced. Introducing a strategy for burn wound-oriented infection prevention and treatment in burn patients provides a number of benefits. It is also cost-effective. Using locally applied active dressings and antiseptics can be a welcome choice for often-unnecessary antibiotic therapy of a suspected or existing burn wound infection.

A new option for definitive burn wound closure - pair matching type of retrospective case-control study of hand burns in the hospitalised patients group in the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Centre for Burn Treatment between 2009 and 2015.

Nearly 80% of all burns include the hands of affected individuals. Skin grafting is the gold standard in burns treatment, but in the case of the burn wound bed, it may require the necessity of utilising skin substitutes to facilitate closure. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a porcine-derived wound dressing (Oasis™) for application to hand burns compared to a synthetic dressing (Suprathel™). Comparative assessments were made, including the time to heal, quality of healing and pain intensity. A retrospective, unblinded, matching pair case-control of hand burns was performed. A control group of 24 patients was treated with Suprathel dressing, and a study group of six patients underwent application of the Oasis dressing. The wound healing process was evaluated by taking histopathological specimens and also utilising the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. A 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. Other parameters measured included dressing loss because of infection and the need of rehabilitation. The progress of wound healing on the fourth day in the study group was 30%. A decrease in the level of pain was recorded on the fourth day after surgery. There was a decrease of 5% in the risk of rehabilitation in the treatment group.

Transfer of fibroblast sheets cultured on thermoresponsive dishes with membranes.

In cell or tissue engineering, it is essential to develop a support for cell-to-cell adhesion, which leads to the generation of cell sheets connected by extracellular matrix. Such supports must be hydrophobic and should result in a detachable cell sheet. A thermoresponsive support that enables the cultured cell sheet to detach using only a change in temperature could be an interesting alternative in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate plates covered with thermoresponsive polymers as supports for the formation of fibroblast sheets and to develop a damage-free procedure for cell sheet transfer with the use of membranes as transfer tools. Human skin fibroblasts were seeded on supports coated with a thermoresponsive polymer: commercial UpCell™ dishes (NUNC™) coated with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and dishes coated with thermoresponsive poly(tri(ethylene glycol) monoethyl ether methacrylate) (P(TEGMA-EE)). Confluent fibroblast sheets were effectively cultured and harvested from both commercial PNIPAM-coated dishes and laboratory P(TEGMA-EE)-coated dishes. To transfer a detached cell sheet, two membranes, Immobilon-P(®) and SUPRATHEL(®), were examined. The use of SUPRATHEL for relocating the cell sheets opens a new possibility for the clinical treatment of wounds. This study established the background for implementing thermoresponsive supports for transplanting in vitro cultured fibroblasts.

The Impact of Telemedicine on Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the COVID-19 Era.

(1) Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by the transformation of normal skin into skin with abscesses, nodules, tunnels, and scars. The most commonly affected areas are the armpits, groins, buttocks, and subscapular area. Patients with HS require constant care under the supervision of the outpatient clinic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consultations have been introduced in the form of telemedicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability of HS treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess patient satisfaction, problems with access to medical care, and the impact of the pandemic on the course of the disease. (2) Methods: An internet survey with an anonymous questionnaire was used to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine consultations. The survey consisted of 25 closed questions, and responses were kept fully anonymous. (3) Results: Most respondents reported minor problems with accessing specialized HS medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 25, 35.71%). However, 35.71% (n = 25) of them reported major problems with appointments for specialized ambulatory treatment during the last few months of the pandemic, mainly due to delayed appointments. Almost half of the respondents had been diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 34, 48.57%), and 58.57% (n = 41) of respondents did not see a correlation between COVID-19 infection and HS progression. (4) Conclusions: Our study showed that the pandemic significantly limited access to medical advice, and patients with hidradenitis suppurativa prefer standard consultations.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Interdisciplinary Problem in Dermatology, Gynecology, and Surgery-Pathogenesis, Comorbidities, and Current Treatments.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory disease that manifests as painful nodules, abscesses, draining dermal tunnels, and scarring in intertriginous areas such as the axillae, groin, and breasts. The nature of the disease and its chronicity have a destructive impact on mental health and quality of life. HS has an estimated global prevalence of 0.00033-4.1% and it disproportionately affects females compared to males. HS involving the female anogenital regions is reported rarely in the gynecological literature, and it can often be mistaken for other vulvar diseases. The distinct phenotypes and HS rarity cause delayed diagnosis and the implementation of effective treatment. Acne inversa is associated with several comorbidities, including metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel diseases, and spondyloarthropathies. Although HS etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, studies have shown that lifestyle, immunological processes, genetics, and hormonal predispositions may promote follicular hyperkeratosis, dilatation, and rupture, leading to the development of chronic tissue inflammation. This article provides updated information on HS pathogenesis, comorbidities, and treatment methods. Furthermore, we share our experience in the surgical treatment of the disease, which often proves most effective, and highlight that an interdisciplinary management approach ensures optimal outcomes.

Application of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Gynaecology-A Current Review.

The aim of our study is to draw attention to the multitude of applications of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the surgical treatment of urogynaecological disorders, such as reduction in the reproductive organs, and in reconstructive gynaecology. Despite the existence of numerous operational methods and materials, the effectiveness of transvaginal operation is still insufficient. Native tissue operations are often not durable enough, while operations with synthetic materials have numerous side effects, such as infections, hematomas, vaginal erosion, or dyspareunia. Hence, the search continues for a different material with a better efficacy and safety profile than those previously mentioned. It seems that ADM can meet these requirements and be a useful material for urogynaecological surgery. Key words related to the usage of ADM in gynaecological reconstructive surgery were used to search relevant databases (NCBI MedLine, Clinical Key, Clinicaltrials.gov). This manuscript is based on 43 literature sources, 28 (65.11%) of which were released after 2016. Older sources are cited for the purpose of presenting basic science, or other important issues related to the manuscript. ADM seems to be an ideal material for urogynaecological and reconstructive surgery. It has high durability, and thus high effectiveness. Moreover, it does not have the side effects typical for synthetic materials. There are no reports of material rejection, erosion or dyspareunia directly related to the presence of the mesh. Due to the difficulties in obtaining ADM and the need to perform additional tests, this material is not common in routine clinical practice. Therefore, the number of cases and the size of the research groups are insufficient to clearly define the potential of mesh from biological tissue. However, the results are so promising that it is worth considering a wider introduction to the use of this material. Our hope is that increasing clinicians' awareness of this topic will lead to more studies comparing methods using native tissues or synthetic materials and those using ADM.

Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Treatment on Health-Related Life Quality.

(1) Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease that affects the intimacy of patients. This disease reduces the quality of life and functioning of patients in everyday life. The surgical treatment of HS is one of the treatments for HS that can improve the quality of life. (2) Methods: The main goal of this study was to assess quality of life before the surgical treatment and after the surgical treatment of HS at Center for Burn Treatment in Siemianowice Slaskie, Poland, using the EQ-5D-5L survey before the operation and at follow-up (6 months after). (3) Results: The average quality of life measured with the EQ-5D-5L survey before therapy was 39.3 ± 20.1 (min., 0; max., 60; most frequent value, 50), whereas after surgical treatment, the mean quality of life was 89.5 ± 12.5 (min., 50; max., 100; most frequent value, 100). The average increase in the quality of life was 50.2 ± 19.5 (min., 30; max., 100; most frequent value, 30), and it was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Co-Graft of Acellular Dermal Matrix and Split Thickness Skin Graft-A New Reconstructive Surgical Method in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease that significantly reduces patients' quality of life. Patients are chronically treated with systemic therapies, which are often ineffective. Surgical treatment for severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa is one option for affected patients. Surgical treatment has its limitations, and wound closure may be particularly problematic. This requires the use of reconstructive techniques. The methods of choice for wound closure are split-thickness skin grafts or local flaps reconstructions. However, each method has its limitations. This is a presentation of a new reconstructive surgical method in hidradenitis suppurativa surgery: the use of a co-graft of Acellular dermal matrix and split thickness skin graft as a novel method in wound closure after wide excisions, based on two cases. The results of this method are very promising: we achieved very fast wound closure with good aesthetic results regarding scar formation. In this paper, we used several examinations: laser speckle analysis, cutometer tests, and health-related quality of life (QoL) questionnaire to check the clinical impact of this method. Our initial results are very encouraging. ADM with STSG as a co-graft could be widely used in reconstructive surgery. This is a preliminary study, which should be continued in further, extended research.

A Survey of 1000 Respondents on the Polish Population's Knowledge and Attitudes about Tissue/Organ Donation and Transplantation in Times of Allogeneic Tissue Shortage.

Tissue-engineered human allogeneic skin grafts retrieved from a deceased donor play an important role in the therapy of extensive and deeply burned patients. However, there is a vital deficit of allogeneic skin donors, and the reserves of human allogeneic skin grafts are not sufficient. The goal of this work was to analyze the level of knowledge and attitudes of Polish society in the field of transplantation, with particular emphasis on allogeneic skin transplantation. The study used a self-made questionnaire comprised of 23 questions. 1000 respondents took part in this research. The respondents were a diverse group in terms of age, sex, education, and place of residence. The obtained results show a general positive attitude of the respondents towards the idea of transplantology. However, people with lower education presented a more negative attitude towards the donation of tissues and organs. Additionally younger people were not able to clearly declare readiness for organ procurement. What is more data analysis revealed certain gaps in more detailed knowledge and surprising attitudes. In that respect, the lack of awareness about the criteria for determining brain death could be mentioned. There was also a lack of acceptance for skin procurement in specific population groups. It can therefore be concluded that a key role in the success of the idea of transplantation in Poland is the broad and systematic education of the society.

Human Acellular Dermal Matrix in Reconstructive Surgery-A Review.

Reconstructive surgery often confronts large tissue defects. This creates a need to look for materials that are immunogenic but offer the possibility of tissue filling. ADM-acellular dermal matrix-is a biological collagen matrix without immunogenicity, which is more commonly used in surgical treatment. Reconstructive surgery is still searching for various biocompatible materials that can be widely used in surgery. The available materials have their advantages and disadvantages. This paper is a literature review on the use of human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in reconstructive surgery (surgical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and gynecologic reconstructive surgery). ADM appears to be a material of increasing use in various fields of surgery, and thus, further research in this area is required.

Influence of electron beam irradiation on extracellular matrix of the human allogeneic skin grafts.

The nonviable allogeneic human skin grafts might be considered as the most suitable skin substitutes in the treatment of extensive and deep burns. However, in accordance to biological security such grafts require the final sterilization prior to clinical application. The aim of the study was to verify the influence of electron beam irradiation of three selected doses: 18, 25, and 35 kGy on the extracellular matrix of human skin. Prior to sterilization, the microbiological tests were conducted and revealed contamination in all examined cases. Individual groups were subjected to single electron beam radiation sterilization at proposed doses and then subjected to microbiological tests again. The results of microbiological testing performed for all irradiation doses used were negative. Only in the control group was a growth of microorganisms observed. The FTIR spectrometry tests were conducted followed by the histological evaluation and mechanical tests. In addition, cost analysis of radiation sterilization of individual doses was performed. The results of spectroscopic analysis, mechanical tests, and histological staining showed no significant changes in composition and characteristics of tested tissues after their irradiation, in comparison to control samples. The cost analysis has shown that irradiation with 18 kGy is the most cost-effective and 35 kGy is the least favorable. However, according to biological risk reduction, the recommended sterilization dose is 35 kGy, despite the higher price compared to the other doses tested.

Preliminary Research on the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Negative consequences and medical complications of COVID-19 can persist for up to several months after initial recovery. These consequences can include stroke, diabetes, decreased lung diffusing capacity, sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, arrhythmia, myocarditis, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, heart rate fluctuations, sleep problems, memory problems, nervousness, anxiety, and other neurological disorders. Thirty-one patients who reported symptoms related to previous COVID-19 disease of both sexes were enrolled in the initial program. The patients underwent compression sessions in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Each patient underwent a cycle of 15 compressions. Before the first session, each participant completed a venous blood gas test, a Fullerton test, and two spirometry tests (one before the Fullerton test and one after the test). Patients completed psychotechnical tests, a questionnaire on quality of life (Polish version of EQ-5D-5L), and a questionnaire on specific symptoms accompanying the disease and post-infection symptoms. The results showed significant improvements in areas such as quality of life, endurance and strength, some spirometric parameters, the anion gap and lactate levels, working memory, and attention in the group of treated patients. In contrast, there were no changes in pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, and excess alkaline values. A follow-up interview confirmed that the beneficial effects were maintained over time. Considering the results obtained, including the apparent improvement in the patient's clinical condition, it can be concluded that the use of 15 compression sessions was temporarily associated with a noticeable improvement in health and performance parameters as well as improvement in certain blood gas parameters.

The use of biostatic human amnion and platelet-rich plasma in topical treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis-A case report.

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (also known as Lyell syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are life-threatening mucocutaneous blistering diseases. They are characterized by generalized blisters and epidermal inflammation, most likely resulting from the administration or interaction of medicines. AIMS: To report potential new method in the treatment of TEN. PATIENTS/METHODS: This article presents a case report of a 35-year-old man suffering from TEN covering about 95% of his body surface. Lesions occurred in the patient during antiepileptic therapy, after taking simultaneously amoxicillin (with clavulanic acid) and naproxen followed by lamotrigine treatment. Standard general treatment was performed. Intravenous feeding was necessary. Due to acute respiratory failure, the patient required mechanical ventilation. Two methods were combined in topical treatment: application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and a simultaneous biostatic human amnion transplant. RESULTS: In the presented case, the combination of both methods contributed to a significant acceleration of wound healing. After the application of PRP and biostatic amnion transplantation, the healing of wounds on the back and posterior surfaces of the legs was completed after six days. The surgical treatment most probably contributed to a significant acceleration of wound healing. CONCLUSION: The case report shows that topical TEN/SJS treatment with biostatic human amnion and PRP has a positive clinical effect and may be a new method of treatment of TEN.

Assessment of the Impact of Decellularization Methods on Mechanical Properties of Biocomposites Used as Skin Substitute.

This work aimed to assess the impact of acellularization and sterilization methods on the mechanical properties of biocomposites used as a skin substitute. On the basis of the statistical analysis, it was ascertained that the values of the Young modulus for the samples before the sterilization process-only in the cases of substances such as: trypsin, 15% glycerol and dispase-changed in a statistically significant way. In the case of dispase, the Young modulus value before the sterilization process amounted to 66.6 MPa, for trypsin this value equalled 33.9 MPa, whereas for 15% glycerol it was 11 MPa. In the case of samples after the completion of the sterilization process, the analysis did not show any statistically significant differences between the obtained results of Young's modulus depending on the respective reagents applied. It was confirmed that different methods of acellularization and the process of sterilization effect the alteration of mechanical properties of allogeneic skins. In the case of the decellularization method using SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate), liquid nitrogen and 85% glycerol the highest values of strain were observed. In the authors' opinion, it is the above-mentioned methods that should be recommended in the process of preparation of skin substitutes.