• Julien Pauchot, Ahmed Elkhyat, Gwenael Rolin, Sophie Mac, Anne Grumblat, Arnaud Fotso, Philippe Humbert, and Yves Tropet.
• Orthopedic, Traumatology, Plastic Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France. jpauchot@chu-besancon.fr
• Dermatol Surg. 2013 Jan 1; 39 (1 Pt 1): 43-50.

BackgroundIn oncology, dermal equivalent may be indicated to cover losses of substance related to skin tumors or after the removal of skin flaps.ObjectiveTo report our experience of two dermal equivalents, Matriderm 1 mm with a one-stage graft (DE1) and Integra DL with a two-stage graft (DE2) in oncology.Patients And MethodRetrospective, single-center study involving 16 patients.ResultsSixteen patients received dermal equivalents as an alternative to flaps (7 cases), over tendinous areas (7 cases), and for cosmetic purposes (2 cases). Twelve patients received DE1 and four DE2. Wound healing times with DE1 were 4 weeks less than those with DE2. Three cases of infection were noted with DE2. The use of dermal equivalents as an alternative to skin flaps was effective, and no adhesions were found over the tendinous areas.ConclusionThe learning curve, the two-stage graft required with DE2, and not using a vacuum-assisted closure system can explain the high infection rate. The use of dermal equivalents is particularly indicated in the treatment of skin defect in oncology. The possibility of a one-stage graft with DE1 and combination with negative pressure therapy is beneficial.© 2012 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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