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Dermacell bested Alloderm RTU in drain removal, red breast syndrome

Patients undergoing reconstruction experienced a shorter duration to drain removal and red breast syndrome with Dermacell (LifeNet Health) than with Alloderm RTU (LifeCell), according to recent findings.

The retrospective chart review included 100 breasts from 58 consecutive patients. There were 50 breasts and 30 patients in the Dermacell arm and 50 breasts from 28 patients in the Alloderm RTU arm.

Baseline characteristics were similar in the two study groups. Complications were recorded up to 90 days after the procedure.

Rates of red breast syndrome were 0% for the Dermacell arm and 26% for the Alloderm RTU arm (P = .0001). Drain removal occurred after 15.8 days in patients treated with Dermacell and 20.6 days in those treated with Alloderm RTU (P = .017). Rates of seroma, hematoma, delayed healing, infection, flap necrosis and explantation were similar between the two groups.

Disclosure: Pittman reports he is a consultant for MedTronic, Novadaq and Sientra. Please see the full study for the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.