How to Fix AlloDerm Complications

AlloDerm is a tissue implant introduced in 1994 to help treat burn victims. Today, AlloDerm is used in hernia, facial and breast reconstruction surgeries to replace damaged soft tissue. AlloDerm tissue matrix is made by LifeCell from donated human skin tissue that has been processed to remove the tissue antigens. AlloDerm promotes tissue growth and is claimed to reduce risk of tissue rejection and graft failure. However, complications can occur, such as infection and tissue rejection. If you suspect you are having a complication following AlloDerm implantation, seek medical attention immediately.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor if you have fever, pain, inflammation, swelling or other symptoms of infection, rejection or tear of the AlloDerm matrix. According to a study published in the journal Hernia in 2008, AlloDerm had a complication rate of 24 percent when used for abdominal hernia. Complications included rejection, infection and recurrence of hernia. If left untreated, some complications can be life-threatening.

• 2

  Get on an antibiotic regimen to treat infection. If the AlloDerm complication is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor may re-administer intravenous antibiotics in order to treat the infection. IV antibiotics are commonly administered after the surgery, but sometimes this is not enough to prevent infection. Re-administration of antibiotics may help fix the complication.

• 3

  Remove the implant. In case the IV regimen does not resolve the infection or if the complication is due to graft failure or rejection, your doctor may need to remove the entire AlloDerm implant, in a procedure called explantation. A study published in the journal ePlasty in 2010 found that the rate of explantation was higher with AlloDerm breast implants than with other breast implants.