Histological and clinical study of artificial dermis implantation for restoration of soft tissue defects

ABSTRACT

The present study was aimed to compare the resorption rate and the histological change of the autogenous dermis and the artificial dermis (Terudermis(R).) after the transplantation, and to report the clinical results of the use of Terudermis(R). in order to restore the soft tissue defect. Twenty mature rabbits, weighing about 2 kg, were used for the experimental study. The autogenous dermis and the Terudermis(R). size 1 x 1 cm were transplanted to the space between the external abdominal oblique muscle and the external abdominal oblique fascia of the each rabbits. They were divided into 4 groups (n=5 each) and gathered at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the transplantation. The resorption rate was calculated, and H-E stain was preformed to observe the histological changes. The chart review of the 17 patients who received Terudermis(R). graft to the facial soft tissue defects was conducted for the clinical study. The resorption rate at 8 weeks after the transplantation was 21.5% for the autogenous dermis, and 36.4% Terudermis(R). In microscopic examinations, the infiltration of the inflammatory cells and the epidermal inclusion cyst were observed in the autogenous dermis graft. The neovascularization and the progressive growth of the new fibroblast were shown in the Terudermis(R). graft. In clinical data of 17 patients, the size of the grafted Terudermis(R). was from 1.5 cm2 to 7.5 cm2 (average 3.5 cm2). Follow-up ranged from 5 to 25 months. Fourteen patients with cleft palate demonstrated stability of the graft and unremarkable complications. But unstability of the graft and the partial relapse were observed in three patients received the vestibuloplasty. These results indicate that Terudermis(R). can be available substitute of autogenous dermis because of the stability about resorption, the histocompatibility, and the unremarkable clinical complications.