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[Reconstructive surgery using an artificial dermis (Integra): results with 19 grafts]
F Unglaub1, D Ulrich, N Pallua
1Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Hand- und Verbrennungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen. funglaub@ukaachen.de
Zentralblatt Fur Chirurgie
|April 26, 2005
Summary
Integra (artificial dermis) aids reconstructive surgery but has drawbacks. While readily available, it requires two operations, risks infection, is costly, and demands extensive care, making it suitable for specific cases.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Integra, a bilayered artificial dermis, was initially designed for acute burn wound coverage.
- It features a silicone epidermis and a collagen-based dermal layer.
- Currently, Integra is also utilized in various reconstructive surgery procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of using Integra in reconstructive surgery.
- To identify the advantages and disadvantages of Integra grafting in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- A series of 12 patients underwent reconstructive surgery using Integra grafts across 19 operational sites.
- Graft areas averaged 210 cm², located on extremities, trunk, and head-neck regions.
- Split-thickness skin grafting was performed approximately 20 days post-Integra application, with an average hospital stay of 41 days and a follow-up of 17 months.
Main Results:
- Early complications included seroma, graft loss, and infection.
- Late complications involved unstable scarring, with five cases showing slight hypertrophic scars at the graft margins.
- Despite complications, Integra offers immediate availability and large-quantity supply.
Conclusions:
- Integra presents advantages in availability for reconstructive surgery.
- Disadvantages include the need for two surgical procedures, infection risk, high cost, and time-intensive dressing changes.
- The use of Integra for defect coverage should be reserved for specific clinical situations.