The role of dermal regeneration template “Integra®” in reconstructive skin cancer surgery

Abstract

Dermal regeneration templates (DRT) use, like “Integra®”, has spread over the past years since its introduction a few decades ago beyond its initial role in burn reconstruction. There is now evidence that it can be used as a biological template in post-cancer excision surgery as a method of reconstructing challenging defects We identified the patients that have undergone reconstruction following cutaneous cancer surgery within our institute by reviewing our records. The case notes of the patients were retrieved and the information extracted from the case notes. This is a retrospective analysis of the case studies. Over the time period of the study, we performed reconstruction using DRT on five individual cases. All the patients did not have any significant post operative complications and the reconstruction seemed durable and reliable. We discuss its benefits as part of the reconstructive ladder post cancer resection reconstructive surgery. DRT can now play a role in post cancer excision reconstruction in selected patient groups, especially the elderly or in those in which flap reconstruction options have been exhausted or deemed unsuitable. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.