The use of artificial dermis for surgical defects in the treatment of oral premalignant lesions

Background: This study investigated the application of an artificial dermis as a substitute for split-thickness skin graft in an oral mucosal defect after excision of a premalignant lesion. Methods: We examined a total of 125 sites repaired with artificial dermis in 84 patients. Forty-one of 84 patients had two different defects and 43 had a single defect. Of 84 patients, there were 52 oral leukoplakia and 32 oral submucous fibrosis. Results: Most patients chewed betel nuts (97.6%). Most of the premalignant lesions were located in the buccal mucosa (94%). The overall success rate was 100% without any or partial graft loss. The minor wound oozing occurred in three grafts (2.4%). No patient had an immunologic reaction or experienced with significant pain. Conclusions: Therefore, an artificial dermis may be an alterative to a split-thickness skin graft for patients with oral mucosal defects after removal of premalignant lesions.