One-stage limb Pelnac® reconstruction after removal of skin cancer: safety, efficacy, and aesthetic outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Objective To assesse the outcomes of one-stage limb reconstruction after removal of skin cancers defect. Methods This prospective study was conducted from September 2017 to January 2020 and included 15 patients. All patients underwent extensive tumor resection and one-stage Pelnac® reconstruction of large skin defects, and regular postoperative follow-up was scheduled. At the 6-month follow-up, tumor recurrence and scar quality was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). None of the patients exhibited infection, wound necrosis, hematoma, seroma, or recurrence. Results All the skin grafts were well accepted by the patients. Nine patients reported normal or near-normal sensory function, while six reported slight sensory loss. No cases of significant functional loss were observed. We enrolled 10 men and 5 women with a mean age of 63.9 years (range: 46-78 years). The mean follow-up duration was 20.6 months (range: 12-36 months). The skin tumors were located on the feet (n = 4), forearms (n = 3), and legs (n = 8). The malignant tumors included malignant melanomas (13.3%), basal cell carcinomas (33.3%), and squamous cell carcinomas (53.3%). The mean operative time was 40.7 min. Two patients underwent radiotherapy. The average length of hospital stay was 2.6 days. The mean skin defect area was 33.2 cm2 (range: 16.6-51.6 cm2). The patient satisfaction score (regarding the aesthetic appearance of the grafted area) was 79.7/100, and the VSS score was 3.8. Conclusion Pelnac® dermal templates facilitate efficient and reliable reconstruction of skin defects after skin cancer resection.