Use of a living dermal equivalent for a refractory abdominal defect after pediatric multivisceral transplantation.

Background: Primary closure is not always possible after pediatric multivisceral transplantation. Reepithelialization may require extended periods of postoperative time, which can be associated with significant morbidity.

Objective: The objective was to accelerate secondary wound closure thereby minimizing infection or further complications in a pediatric multivisceral transplant patient.

Methods: Five applications of human fibroblast-derived dermis (Dermagraft, Smith and Nephew) were applied to the postsurgical defect of a pediatric multivisceral transplant patient over the course of 8 months. Routine wound care and observation was performed between human fibroblast-derived dermis applications.

Results: Human fibroblast-derived dermis stimulated healing and accelerated reepithelialization. Signs of clinical rejection or infection were not observed.

Conclusion: Reepithelialization can be aided in the postoperative period in pediatric multivisceral transplant patients with human fibroblast-derived dermis, thereby helping to deter complications associated with secondary wound closure. We have illustrated the successful use of a human fibroblast-derived dermis as an adjunct for wound healing in a complicated surgical defect.