Evaluation of a porcine origin acellular dermal matrix and small intestinal submucosa as dermal replacements in preventing secondary skin graft contraction

The degree to which a split thickness skin graft (STSG) contracts after application to its recipient bed is related in part to the proportion of the dermis harvested from the donor site. Harvesting thicker skin grafts may produce better cosmetic results in the recipient bed but result in increased donor site morbidity. The combination of an autologous ultra thin split thickness graft with an underlying non-autologous dermal component may reduce secondary skin graft contraction without further increasing donor site morbidity. This study was aimed at assessing the suitability of two porcine derived biomaterials (Permacol™ and small intestinal submucosa, SIS) for use in combination with skin grafts in a Sprague–Dawley rat model. Full thickness wounds (1 cm2) were created in Sprague–Dawley rats and grafted with skin in combination with Permacol™ or SIS either as a one-stage operation or following a 2-week-period of vascularisation of these dermal matrices before a second stage operation to cover with skin. Skin graft viability and wound area were assessed at weekly intervals until 4 weeks after graft application. Both Permacol™ and SIS were able to support an overlying skin graft but had no beneficial effect on skin graft contraction in this model compared to skin grafts alone.