Detailed evaluation of 2959 allogeneic and xenogeneic dense connective tissue grafts (fascia lata, pericardium, and dura mater) used in the course of 20 years for duraplasty in neurosurgery.

Surgical experience with 2959 allogeneic and xenogeneic dense connective tissue grafts (1767 of fascia lata, 909 of pericardium, and 283 of dura mater), used in 2665 neurosurgical operations performed in the course of 20 years (1976 to 1995) is reported. Duraplasty using either allogeneic or xenogeneic grafts has had a similar, and favourable clinical outcome. Nevertheless, the pliable deep frozen fascia lata grafts, which could be used in any location, have been reserved for sella turcica plugging, anterior cranial base plasty, aneurysmal wrapping, and surgery of lipomyelomeningocele.

Ovine pericardium: a new material for duraplasty.

The authors report on their 2 1/2-year clinical experience using a dural substitute, ovine pericardium, stabilized with 0.3% glutaraldehyde, flat freeze-dried, and sterilized with gamma-irradiation. Packaging of the ovine pericardium in double-plastic transparent bags allows simple storage in operating rooms and the opportunity for the surgeon to choose an ideal graft according to its shape, size, and plasticity.