Decellularized human dermal matrix produced by a skin bank: A new treatment for abdominal wall defects

BACKGROUND; Interest is increasing for human decellularized scaffolds for their ability to favor healing and cell infiltration after transplantation, in the treatment of abdominal wall defects. The purpose of the present study is to show the clinical results obtained after the application of human decellularized dermal matrix (HDM) produced by RER Skin Bank, on patients suffering from different abdominal wall defects. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2014, 64 patients, average age 64 years, received HDM, to replace and cover the damage area during abdominal wall surgery. After surgical procedures, all patients were followed weekly for the first month and then monthly up to 6 months postoperative and any major problem or complication were recorded. Six months follow up included abdominal exams, serological tests and MRI analysis in order to evaluate integration of HDM with the patients surroundings tissues and eventual long-term complications. RESULTS: Incisional hernia was the most frequent clinical condition in which HDM was applied, requiring also the highest amount of human decellularized dermal matrix. One month after the surgical operation, 61 patients revealed a well tolerability of HDM and a normal wound healing was also identified in all the damage areas. Only 3 patients experienced postoperative infections. Moreover the follow up after 6 months reported no signs of dermis rejection and that none of the patients was positive to serological tests. CONCLUSIONS: Human decellularized dermal matrix can be considered a safe and useful bioproduct to treat large abdominal defects, characterized by minor complications and simplicity to be implanted.