A review of NovoSorb Biodegradable Temporising Matrix use over a 12-month period, with a focus on reconstructive salvage after free flap failure illustrated by a short case series.

Abstract

We present a retrospective, cross-sectional review of 12 patients who underwent surgical reconstruction with NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) over 1 year for trauma, cancer resection, necrotising fasciitis and chronic wounds. We report an overall success rate of BTM in 83% of cases. Three key cases are described in detail to show how BTM was successfully used as a means of reconstructive salvage after total or partial free flap failures for circumferential soft tissue defects that might otherwise have required a second free flap or limb amputation. The indications for BTM in non-burns wound closure are growing and our experience demonstrates it can provide a reliable 'salvage' reconstruction where traditional free flaps have failed and further tissue transfer is judged to have a poor risk-benefit ratio. We highlight BTM as an increasingly versatile tool in the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons faced with challenging wounds including in the failed free flap setting and encourage further research on these advanced applications.