The recent release of artificial dermis for general use, has open wide a new field in pediatric reconstructive surgery. The aim of this paper is to analyze the results of Integra artificial dermis in our Plastic Surgery Department.
Materials and methods: The records of the patients treated with Integra between february 1999 and january 2001 were analyzed, focusing on the indications, the complications and the final results.
Results: Fourteen Integra implantation procedures in 11 patients aged 16 months to 12 years (mean +/- SD: 80.9 +/- 48.5 months) were performed. Indications were: acute burns in 5 cases, burns sequelae in 5, and partial extirpation of a congenital giant nevus in the last one. Integra was used to replace between 2 and 30% of total body surface area. The percentage of "take" of skin grafts was 85%. The most frequent early complication was the development of infection under the Integra; it occurred in 2 cases and artificial dermis had to be partially removed. Hypertrophic scars developed in 2 patients; both had refused pressure garments. Cosmetic results in the remaining 9 patients are considered excellent.
Conclusions: The use of artificial dermis has settled as a new procedure in plastic pediatric surgery. In spite of possible complications, the easy manipulation and the good results make Integra a perfect skin substitute in several cutaneous disorders.