Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Skin Substitutes, Filling the Gap in the Reconstructive Algorithm

Version 1 : Received: 10 January 2024 / Approved: 25 January 2024 / Online: 26 January 2024 (11:48:16 CET)

How to cite: Fuenmayor, P.; Huaman, MD, G.M.; Maita, K.; Schwemmer, K.; Soliman, W.; Abdelmoneim, S.S.; Pintos, S.; Dickinson, M.; Gonzalez, E.; Castrellon, R. Skin Substitutes, Filling the Gap in the Reconstructive Algorithm. Preprints 2024, 2024011872. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1872.v1 Fuenmayor, P.; Huaman, MD, G.M.; Maita, K.; Schwemmer, K.; Soliman, W.; Abdelmoneim, S.S.; Pintos, S.; Dickinson, M.; Gonzalez, E.; Castrellon, R. Skin Substitutes, Filling the Gap in the Reconstructive Algorithm. Preprints 2024, 2024011872. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1872.v1

Abstract

Background: Skin substitutes play a crucial role in wound care by actively modulating the wound healing process, promoting angiogenesis, and protecting the integrity of the native extracellular matrix. Consequently, surgeons have increasingly recognized these resources as excellent complements to improve reconstructive outcomes. This review focuses on the author's experience using these biomaterials in complex cases, highlighting the benefits they bring to patient care. Methods: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the regenerative properties of skin substitutes and their applicability in head and neck, upper and lower extremities, and trunk reconstruction. Results: The reviewed literature, along with the authors' experience, supports the adjunct use of skin substitutes in various reconstructive situations. Combining them with skin grafts improves resulting skin quality and may also enhance donor site healing. They have proven effective in addressing chronic venous ulcers, traumatic wounds with limited donor tissues for coverage, extensive burns, diabetic foot ulcers, and oncologic resections in the face and scalp. Furthermore, combining them with autologous tissue shows promising results in achieving stable closure. Conclusions: Incorporating skin substitutes in complex reconstructive scenarios offers multiple benefits. Their regenerative properties and ability to modulate the healing process contribute to enhanced outcomes and reduced overall costs.

Keywords

skin substitutes; dermal matrices; wound healing; reconstructive surgery; biomaterials.

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Surgery

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