Integra--a therapeutic alternative in reconstructive surgery. Our first experience

Coverage is one of the most important issues in plastic surgery. The both acute and reconstructive surgery can often face with limited donor site availability requiring additional therapeutic options. One of the research direction developed in the last 30 years is the quest for the "artificial skin". Integra is a permanent skin substitute used in acute full thickness burns, after injuries and also in reconstructive surgery. We used it with very good results in three cases: in two patients for replacement of facial and neck burn scars and in one case for penis coverage in a traumatic degloving avulsion of perineal skin. Even the anatomic regions were demanding (cervical area, frontal area and penis) we had no Integra displacement. The skin graft take was 100% in all the cases. We had no hematoma, no infection. Follow up period is 3-8 months. A meticulous surgical technique with a good hemostasis and continuous wound care during first and second stage are mandatory for optimal esthetic and functional results. This is the first use of Integra in Romania. Experience is important for further steps are needed in coverage of patients with severe burn trauma.