Comparison of five dermal substitutes in full-thickness skin wound healing in a porcine model

The wound healing attributes of five acellular dermal skin substitutes were compared, in a two-step procedure, in a porcine model. Ten pigs were included in this experimental and randomized study. During the first step, dermal substitutes (Integra(®), ProDerm(®), Renoskin(®), Matriderm(®) 2mm and Hyalomatrix(®) PA) were implanted into full-thickness skin wounds and the epidermis was reconstructed during a second step procedure at day 21 using autologous split-thickness skin graft or cultured epithelial autograft. Seven pigs were followed-up for 2 months and 3 pigs for 6 months. Dermal substitute incorporation, epidermal graft takes, wound contraction and Vancouver scale were assessed, and histological study of the wounds was performed. Results showed significant differences between groups in dermis incorporation and in early wound contraction, but there was no difference in wound contraction and in Vancouver scale after 2 and 6 months of healing. We conclude there was no long-term difference of scar qualities in our study between the different artificial dermis. More, there was no difference between artificial dermis and the control group. This study makes us ask questions about the benefit of artificial dermis used in a two-step procedure.