Use of a lyophilized bovine collagen matrix in postoperative wound healing

BACKGROUND. Immediate reconstruction is the preferred approach to the manag ement of defects following Mohs micrographic surgery. In a minority of pati ents, however, reconstruction is contraindicated, and a long-term biologica l dressing that stimulates wound healing and minimizes wound care is desira ble. OBJECTIVE. We wanted to assess the utility of a lyophilized, type I bovine collagen matrix (SkinTemp) in wound care and wound healing following Mohs m icrographic surgery. METHODS. Fifteen patients were treated with a bovine collagen matrix follow ing Mohs micrographic surgery, Study wounds were evaluated for time to comp lete granulation, time to complete epithelialization, and adverse reactions including infection and allergy. The time to complete healing (granulation and epithelialization) for this group was compared to 15 size- and site-ma tched surgical defects. RESULTS. The use of bovine collagen matrix provided more rapid wound healin g than traditional second intention healing at all anatomic sites studied. The time to complete healing averaged 6.1 weeks with bovine collagen matrix versus 9.4 weeks for the control group. Use of bovine collagen matrix requ ired an average of 3.0 dressing changes weekly compared to 7.0 changes week ly in the control group. There were no wound infections or allergic reactio ns to it. CONCLUSIONS. A Type I bovine collagen matrix provided a safe, readily avail able alternative to traditional methods of second intention healing. It min imized wound care while reducing the time for complete healing. A larger st udy should be performed to confirm the results of this pilot study.