Integra® dermal regeneration template for full thickness carcinologic scalp defects: Our 6 years’ experience retrospective cohort and literature review

Background: The aim of the study is the use of Integra® dermal regeneration template (DRT) in scalp reconstruction after tumor resection by comparing results of literature and Gustave Roussy Institut’ series of 20 patients. Materiel and methods: A systematic review, with a PubMed search was performed using the following key words “artificial dermis OR DRT” AND “scalp”. Eligible articles were selected to study patients and defects characteristics, operative modalities, and the follow up results. This case series presents the experience of immediate DRT reconstruction after scalp full thickness carcinologic surgery, in the plastic surgery service of Gustave Roussy cancer center. Results: Twenty patients with primary scalp tumors underwent two steps DRT reconstruction for full thickness scalp defect. The mean surface defect was 72 cm². The mean operative combined time was 94 min, with a total healing delay of 68 days. All patients successfully recovered. Five patients had minor complications (3 delayed healing and 2 DRT infections) with no need of additional surgery. Fourteen articles, totalizing n = 210 patients, were included and reviewed. Reported ages ranged from 58 to 82 years old. Almost all patients were operated for oncologic resections. The mean surface defect was 73 cm². The mean follow-up was 15 months. The skin graft taking rates ranged from 95% up to 100%. Conclusion: In large scalp full thickness defects after cancer resection, DRT appears to be a suitable reconstruction option for patients with comorbidities, and aggressive tumors. This technique allows immediate coverage of the calvarium with short operative time and prevents from healing delay. The oncologic follow-up is no disturbed and cancer recurrences are easily diagnosed.