Use of a lyophilized bovine collagen matrix in postoperative wound healing

BACKGROUND. Immediate reconstruction is the preferred approach to the management of defects following Mohs micrographic surgery. In a minority of patients, however, reconstruction is contraindicated, and a long-term biological dressing that stimulates wound healing and minimizes wound care is desirable. OBJECTIVE. We wanted to assess the utility of a lyophilized, type I bovine collagen matrix (SkinTemp) in wound care and wound healing following Mohs micrographic surgery. METHODS. Fifteen patients were treated with a bovine collagen matrix following Mohs micrographic surgery, Study wounds were evaluated for time to complete 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-matched surgical defects. RESULTS. The use of bovine collagen matrix provided more rapid wound healing 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 required an average of 3.0 dressing changes weekly compared to 7.0 changes weekly in the control group. There were no wound infections or allergic reactions to it. CONCLUSIONS. A Type I bovine collagen matrix provided a safe, readily available alternative to traditional methods of second intention healing. It minimized wound care while reducing the time for complete healing. A larger study should be performed to confirm the results of this pilot study.