The use of Integra Dermal Regeneration Template in the surgical management of revision penile inversion vaginoplasty: A case series

Abstract

Since its initial design and use for the temporary coverage of severe full-thickness burn defects, Integra® (Integra LifeSciences) Dermal Regeneration Template has been increasingly used all over the body, yielding successful results in coverage of wound beds with insufficient vascularity and suboptimal conditions for proper healing. In this study, we report an institutional case series and outcomes of gender-affirming vaginoplasty revision for vaginal lengthening or reopening of the canal via placement of Integra® to assist in optimizing the wound bed for subsequent skin grafting when wound conditions were deemed to be suboptimal. A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients who underwent this technique by a single surgeon (JM) at the authors' institution. Demographics, vaginal depth, and complications were recorded and compared. Our patient population thus far includes 178 primary vaginoplasties, of which 9 of those needing revision were treated with this approach. The age at revision mean was 47±13.5 years, and the body mass index mean was 31±4.1. All patients had comorbidities and five were former smokers. Eight patients had prior revision conducted without Integra®, with a mean of 1.89±1.76 and the time to first revision mean was 15.89±14.2 months. No long-term complications after Integra® reported and most of the patients did not require further revision. The follow-up mean was 8.48±8.66 months. A mean of 6.77±5.35cm was gained after the Integra® revision (4.92±4.1cm before versus 12.54±3.07cm after). The final depth after Integra® + full-thickness skin graft mean was 13.34±4.65cm. Overall, the depth gain mean was 7.48±5.77cm; in total, seven patients gained depth after revision with an average of 78% skin graft take. Overall, Integra® presents an alternative option for revision vaginoplasty with complicated wound beds potentially aiding in the healing process before grafting.