Matriderm for Management of Scalp Necrosis Following Surgical Treatment of Giant Parietal Encephalocele

Comparing the application of various engineered xenografts for skin defects: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Xenografts are a now a cornerstone in the management of wound dressings. Promising results were achieved since 1960 in the application of skin substitute for skin defects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various xenografts.

METHODS

A literature research was conducted using the following query: 'Porcine skin dermatology substitute', 'bovine skin dermatology substitute', 'xenograft skin substitute dermatology', 'xenografts skin defect', 'porcine skin defect', 'bovine skin defect'.

RESULTS

The review yielded 35 articles pertaining to the topic. Main indications for porcine and bovine xenograft application were burn wounds and post-traumatic wounds, respectively. Mean discharge date or length of stay was at the 6th day after porcine application, and the time of graft healing was reported for 33.7% (n = 510) of patients. Promising results were seen with Matriderm and split-thickness skin graft. Most wounds achieved an excellent cosmetic result with full range of motion and a smooth contour appearance. A great variety of tissue substitutes exist, and the choice of graft application should depend on a patient's factors, product availability, wound type, size, and physician's factors.

CONCLUSION

In summary, xenografts are more economic and affordable but have higher risk of infections compared to allografts.

Use of xenografts and allografts in scalp reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Scalp reconstruction requires a full array of reconstructive options given the complex anatomy and protection of vital structures. Not all patients qualify for advanced reconstructive options and therefore rely on short, effective procedures with minimal morbidity. This review aims to focus on xenografts and allografts to achieve an adequate reconstruction while minimizing morbidity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although bovine xenografts have been used for many decades, there have been recent advances in porcine xenografts to aid in scalp defects. Similarly, new allogenic materials have emerged as additional tools in the armamentarium to promote wound healing.

SUMMARY

Both xenografts and allografts offer viable options for complex scalp reconstruction.

The use of MATRIDERMⓇ as a single stage salvage procedure to cover exposed dura Mater

Reconstruction of large full-thickness scalp defects with exposed cranial bone or dura are usually performed with free flaps. However, certain medical conditions in fragile patients may contraindicate this type of surgery. In those circumstances, Dermal Regeneration Templates (DRTs) can provide an alternative solution to flap surgery. We here report the case of a 79-year old woman presenting with a large cranial defect and exposed dura mater after developing postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum and subsequent free flap failure. A one-stage salvage reconstruction was successfully performed with MATRIDERM^Ⓡ (MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG, Germany) and a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) with a Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) dressing.