Porcine heterografts in dermatologic surgery and reconstruction

BACKGROUND. Porcine heterografting is a method that can be used to reestabl ish the protective integrity of skin after cutaneous injury. These grafts m ay be used in an assortment of clinical situations for chronic and acute wo unds, burn injury, and partial- or full-thickness areas of skin loss. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to address the indications for us ing porcine heterografts in dermatologic surgery, the advantages and disadv antages of their use, and the technique of graft application. METHODS. Indications for porcine heterografts and the methodology of graft application are discussed. RESULTS. Porcine heterografts serve as a valuable tool in a variety of reco nstruction settings in dermatologic surgery. CONCLUSIONS. Hererografts provide an inexpensive method to facilitate wound care and promote healing, and serve as an effective repair option for a va riety of surgical defects.