The Feasibility and Outcome of Integra? Bilayer Matrix in the Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, safety, and failure rate of Integra & REG; Bilayer Wound Matrix (Integra) in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAll study information was collected from a single academic tertiary care hospital.MethodsSubjects included adult patients who underwent oral cavity resection and immediate subsequent reconstruction with Integra & REG; Bilayer Wound Matrix at MD Anderson Cancer Center between the years 2015 and 2020. The following variables were collected: patient's demographics, comorbidities, disease stage, treatment and reconstruction modalities, and surgical outcome from the medical records. Statistical analysis included distribution analysis for all collected parameters and Pearson's & chi;2 tests to find correlation between variables and take rate of Integra.ResultsEighty-three patients underwent reconstruction with Integra & REG; Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing. Average age was 66 years old. Thirty-nine patients (47%) had history of previous resections for oral cavity tumors. Fourteen patients (17%) had history of radiation therapy to the Head and Neck region. Most common pathology was invasive squamous cell carcinoma (75%) followed by dysplasia (12%). Complete wound healing with good cellular integration occurred in 83 patients (96%) with only 3 failures requiring additional surgery. Reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects was associated with increased risk of dehiscence and bone exposure (0.66, P = .03).ConclusionThis study shows promising results with high take rate of Integra & REG; Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects. We encourage surgeons to adopt this technique as a viable and versatile option into the reconstruction ladder of oral cavity defects.