Efficacy and Safety of a Porcine Collagen Sponge for Cranial Neurosurgery: A Prospective Case-Control Study

ObjectiveThe use of dural grafts is very useful when primary dural closure cannot be achieved. Our primary objective was to study the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, including fistula and pseudomeningocele, and postoperative infection by comparing autologous material and a new collagen graft.Materials and MethodsA prospective nonrandomized study with a new collagen-based product derived from porcine cells (Peridry) was performed. It was used for dural replacement in 50 patients who underwent a variety of neurosurgical procedures requiring the use of a dural graft. These results were compared with a control group of 50 patients who were treated with autologous duraplasty material. The follow-up period was 3 months.ResultsPostoperative overall cerebrospinal fluid fistula occurred in 6% of both groups. No patient in the collagen group developed any sort of infection. One patient in the control developed osteomyelitis in the bone flap.ConclusionThe new collagen-based product derived from porcine cells (Peridry), compared with an autologous tissue, is safe, effective, easy to use, as well as time saving in cranial neurosurgery.