The Novel Use of Cryopreserved Human Allograft in Extensive Hurley Stage III Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Introduction. HS is a debilitating dermatologic condition in which apocrine sweat glands become occluded, leading to severe inflammation. Treatment usually ranges from conservative management to surgical intervention with the goal of treating existing lesions while reducing the rate of recurrence, progression, and scarring. Depending on the surface area involved, autologous skin grafting may be difficult when donor sites are limited due to the extent of disease, previous surgery, or scarring. This case report examines the efficacy of cryopreserved human allograft as a surgical treatment of extensive HS. Case Report. A 37-year-old man presented with severe, refractory Hurley stage III HS in which cryopreserved human allograft was used to aid in wound contracture and granulation tissue formation. In addition, its use improved contour deformities and served as a bridge to autologous skin grafting, minimizing donor site size and morbidity. Conclusions. While autologous skin grafting is necessary for final wound closure, the use of cryopreserved human allograft provides biologic wound management that aids as a bridge to autologous skin grafting. As such, the authors advocate its use as a tissue scaffold in the management of severe, extensive HS and other dermatologic conditions requiring skin excision.