MatriDerm Dermal Substitute as an Adjunct in Primary Cleft Palate Repair for the Closure of Lateral Palatal Gaps: A...

This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of MatriDerm (MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG) as a dermal substitute in primary cleft palate surgery, especially for closure of lateral palatal gaps. The authors retrospectively studied 20 patients (mean age: 10 mo) who underwent unilateral or bilateral cleft palate repair at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024. Von-Langenbeck and Bardach's palatoplasty was performed, with MatriDerm (MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG) applied inside lateral releasing incisions. Healing was assessed at 1 week and 2 weeks postoperatively. Over 50% epithelialization was observed at 1 week, and over 75% by 2 weeks, with no scarring or arch collapse. MatriDerm (MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG) seems to enhance mucosal healing without causing any scarring, which can affect palatal integrity and the maxillary arch growth, making an insight to further long-term research.