[Effect of exogenous collagen on the metabolism of burns in rats; the collagen treatment of large superficial excision wounds].

In an animal experiment study the effect of collagen sponge treatment on skin wounds was examined. In a test for defense mechanism, the bandage material was accepted without any disturbance of the surrounding tissue. It could also be removed without any damage to the wound area while renewing the covering bandage. In contrast to the controls, there was a statistically significant difference in the decreasing wound area. No tract formation of the wound edges was observed in the experimental group, and histologically the wounds showed an earlier fiber formation with functional orientation toward the wound surface. The advantages of treatment using collagen instead of inert material include better compatibility, a positive cosmetic effect, and a stimulation of wound healing without the necessity of a two-stage transplantation.