Dermal Regenerative Template as a Cost-Effective Alternative for Complex Scalp Reconstruction.

Background: Use of dermal regeneration template (DRT) is well documented in the literature for complex wounds ranging from the scalp, trunk, and lower extremity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed of the use of dermal regeneration template and skin grafting. A literature review was performed of all studies where DRT was used for scalp reconstruction. Results: Patients in the DRT cohort had an average age of 70, with wounds averaging 108 cm2 in size. These patients also had a relatively low rate of complications (0.4), a short hospital stay (average 2 days), and a relatively short operating room time (114 minutes). Conclusion: This study demonstrates dermal regeneration template to be an effective and reliable option for soft tissue reconstruction with minimal morbidity and complications in patients with extensive medical comorbidities. Emerging applications include radiation exposure and hypercoaguable states. (C) 2017 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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