Use of artificial dermis graft for covering the femoral vessels after groin dissection

An artificial dermis graft has been used to cover exposed femoral Vessels a fter groin dissection in five patients. After the silicone membrane was dis sected off with a scalpel, the artificial dermis was applied. The femoral v essels were successfully covered without either postoperative infection or allergic reaction in ail patients. In two patients, full-thickness skin nec rosis occurred. However, the femoral vessels were not exposed since they we re covered by the artificial dermis, and subsequent skin grafting was perfo rmed. There was no postoperative contracture in any of the patients, and th e grafted area was soft. It can thus be concluded that artificial dermis is an easy, less invasive, and useful option for covering the femoral vessels after groin dissection, especially in patients with a thin and fragile sar torius muscle.