Giant naevus, giant excision, eleg(i)ant closure? Reconstructive surgery with Integra Artificial Skin to treat giant congenital melanocytic naevi in children.

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical treatment of giant congenital melanocytic naevi remains a considerable challenge in reconstructive surgery. None of the currently available techniques is universally applicable. The goal of this pilot study was to test Integra Artificial Skin (Integra) in the surgical treatment of giant congenital melanocytic naevi.

METHODS

Between May 2000 and March 2004, Integra was used in 12 children (n=12; aged seven months to 11 years, mean 3.8 years). Giant congenital melanocytic naevi covered 1-12% of the total body surface area (mean 4.2%) located over the trunk in 50%, and over face and extremities in 25% each.

RESULTS

In eight children, Integra implantation was primarily successful; in four patients a partial or complete removal and re-implantation was necessary due to complications. The final take rate of Integra ranged from 95-100%, except for one patient with a take rate of 30% (mean 93%). Second stage split-thickness skin grafting yielded take rates from 95-100% (mean 98%). Functional and cosmetic outcome was rated excellent in 58%, good in 25% and fair in 17% (follow-up six months to four years, mean 2.2 years).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Integra is a new and valid method to successfully treat giant congenital melanocytic naevi in early childhood in a definitive manner and with high-quality results.