Use of Gelatin Sponges in Mohs MicrographicSurgery Defects and Staged Melanoma Excisions:A Novel Approach to Secondary Wound Healing

Background/Aims: Surgical closure or reconstruction is commonly used to treat wounds generated by Mohs micrographic surgeries (MMS) and staged melanoma excisions, which may result in contractures and scarring. The authors’ objective was to determine the value of using gelatin sponges to promote secondary intention healing for surgical defects after MMS and staged melanoma excisions. Methods: Sixty-four surgeries from 54 predominantly elderly patients (median age=76 years) were treated with gelatin sponges to promote healing by secondary intention in this prospective investigation. Patients rated their satisfaction with outcomes on a scale of 1 (highly dissatisfied) to 5 (highly satisfied). Results: In all patients, the wounds healed within four to 16 weeks (median=five weeks). Forty-five patients were highly satisfied with their results (mean score=4.9). Conclusion: Healing by secondary intention using gelatin sponges was associated with improved hemostasis, excellent cosmesis and a high level of patient satisfaction. (J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10[1]68-73.)