Background: Knowledge regarding the use of xenografts in cutaneous surgery is limited.
Objective: We sought to better understand the utility, outcomes, and complications of porcine xenograft applications in cutaneous surgery.
Methods and materials: A single center, retrospective study of patients with porcine xenograft applications was completed. Characteristics of tumors, surgical procedures, resulting wound beds, follow-up care, and final length of follow-up were determined, and statistical analysis was conducted.
Results: Of 225 porcine xenograft placements in 220 patients, the majority of tumors were nonmelanoma skin cancers (89%) and similarly divided between the head (excepting nose/ear), nose, ear, and extremities. Both Mohs and standard excision resulted in a 5.7 cm mean area of surgical defect, with the majority closed by porcine xenograft only (84.1%), and healing by secondary intention (97.3%). The area of surgical defect and topical antibiotics contributed to increased length of time to final follow-up.
Conclusion: The data represent the largest series of biologic dressings in cutaneous surgery and demonstrate the applicability and safety of porcine xenografts. We recommend consideration of porcine xenografts in the appropriate clinical context, to augment secondary intention.