The Use of Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template for the Orbital Exenteration Socket: A Novel Technique

Integra® dermal regeneration template is a bilayer membrane system that acts as a scaffold for regenerating dermal skin cells. It is used for wound reconstruction following burns, extensive injuries, and a large tumor excision in multiple parts of the body. The dermal layer is made of porous matrix of bovine tendon collagen and glycosaminoglycan. The epidermal layer is made of polysiloxane layer. In this study, the authors evaluated the use of Integra® dermal regeneration template for the immediate reconstruction of the orbital exenteration socket.

Five patients who underwent exenteration and immediate reconstruction of the socket with Integra® dermal regeneration template were included in this study. Demographic and clinical features, healing time, complications, and follow-up time were recorded.

The study included 4 male patients and 1 female patient with a mean age of 74 years (range, 49-87 years). The primary diagnoses were orbital extension of conjunctival melanoma in 2 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 1 patient, and uveal melanoma in 1 patient, and aggressive orbital Wegener granulomatosis in 1 patient. There was no postoperative infection, necrosis, hematoma, or fluid accumulation in any patients. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 20 months (range, 11-42 months). The sockets were completely granulated by 4 weeks, and epithelized, getting ready for the prosthesis in 8 weeks.

Integra® dermal regeneration template can be used for the immediate reconstruction of the socket following exenteration. It is easy to use, and provides a short healing time without any need for any additional reconstructive procedures.