Porcine xenograft and second intention healing on the lower extremities after Mohs surgery: a descriptive case series

There is limited data on benefits of healing after Mohs surgery using porcine xenografts (PXs) compared to second intention (SI). This case series sought to describe healing time, scar size, cosmetic outcome, pain, and infection rates in patients treated with PX or SI for wounds on lower extremities. 14 patients were enrolled. Six patients received treatment with SI, and eight patients received PX. 11 patients (4 SI, 7 PX) completed follow-up visit after 3 months (79% follow-up rate) when primary outcome measure was assessed. 64% of patients took > 3 months to heal. 72% of patients healed within 6 months post-surgery. Scars contracted by > 50% in 7/11 patients completing follow-up. In SI group, 3/5 patients self-reported pain level > 1 out of 10 at 1-week post-surgery compared to 3/8 in the PX group. Two patients in each group developed post-operative wound infection and three patients in PX group experienced other adverse events. These results suggest that healing with PX or SI resulted in small scar size, low post-operative pain level, and low rate of adverse events. Both groups had longer healing times than expected.