The Application of Integra Artificial Dermis for Skin Reconstruction

Autologous skin grafts are used as one of the standard treatment modalities for deep skin defects. However, skin grafts exist some disadvantages such as donor site morbidities, limited donor site areas, and recipient site contractures. Hoping to eliminate all the above-mentioned problems, several skin substitutes have been developed in recent years and commercialized for temporary or permanent use^1. From April 1997 to November 2000, ten artificial dermis (Integra) followed with ultrathin split thickness skin grafts (STSG) or cultured epithelium autografts (CEA) were performed in seven patients. The indications of operation include hypertrophic scar/keloids; immediate full-thickness skin defects due to burn injury; and excision of full thickness skin lesion. One patient died of distant metastasis of melanoma four months after resurfacing surgery. Two Integra infections were identified (2/10). In the hypertrophic scar/keloids group, three of the six recipient sites developed unwanted scars again. From the limited experiences in this series, Integra artificial dermis used in hypertrophic scar/keloids might decrease the recurrence of keloid formation in some patients. For the skin resurfacing patients, Integra showed promising results and is one of the treatment alternatives for these patients.