The use of cryopreserved human skin allografts in wound healing following Mohs surgery.
BACKGROUND
Immediate reconstruction has become the preferred approach to management of full-thickness cutaneous defects following microscopically controlled excision (MCE) of tumors. In a minority of patients, however, large reconstructive procedures are contraindicated, and a long-term biological dressing that stimulates healing while minimizing wound care is desirable.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the utility of cryopreserved human skin allografts (HSA) in wound care and wound healing following Mohs surgery.


METHODS
Sixteen patients were treated with HSA following MCE and followed postoperatively for evidence of infection, involution, or survival of HSA, and granulation tissue production. Follow-up was 2-26 months.


RESULTS
The use of HSA resulted in one of three general outcomes: rapid healing and rejection, subsequent full-thickness skin grafting, or persistence of HSA during prolonged healing.


CONCLUSIONS
HSA are a safe alternative to immediate reconstruction in a carefully selected population of skin cancer patients. They minimize wound care while providing continuous wound coverage during healing, and are an efficient bridge to full-thickness skin grafting.
Kolenik
S A
SA
Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
Leffell
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D015925:Cryopreservation; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology; D006085:Graft Survival; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D017592:Skin Care; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing