224 Use of Novel Decellularized Cadaveric Dermis (dCELL) In Single-Stage Resection and Reconstruction of Non-Melanomatous Skin Cancer of The Head and Neck

Abstract

Abstract Background This study examines the use DCELL, a novel acellular dermis product produced in the UK for the reconstruction of these skin defects. Method This was a single-centre, prospective study of patients undergoing single stage wide local excision of non-melanomatous skin cancer and reconstruction with decellularised dermis. Our inclusion criteria included any patient that required a curative excision but had risk factors where conventional local flap or free tissue transfer could have a potential adverse outcome. Results Thirty-seven wounds were treated with DCELL in thirty-one patients. Mean age was 81.6 years (range 61-94 years) and at the time of operation, 25 patients (80.7%) were ASA 3 or above. The scalp was the most common anatomical area operated on (n = 28, 75.7%). The overall proportion of wounds with complete closure was 89.2% (33 out of 37 wounds), with a failure rate of 10.8% (4 complete graft failures). Device-related complications included one episode of crusting over the graft which resolved with topical antibiotics, and a hypertrophic scar over the wound edges. Cosmesis was satisfactory in all cases. Conclusions DCELL demonstrated a very good take rate with equally satisfactory cosmetic outcomes in patients where standard reconstructive approaches may have adverse outcomes.