Background: Wide local excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy has been the standard of care for melanoma with a Breslow depth greater than 1 mm. Wide local excision with 1- to 2-cm margins can result in large wounds that cannot be primarily closed. Traditionally, management has included reconstruction with autologous flaps and skin grafting.
Case report: The authors of this case report achieved successful closure of a large posterior calf wound after 2-cm-wide local excision of the melanoma biopsy site in a 61-year-old male. The dermal lesion was a Clark level IV superficial spreading malignant melanoma with Breslow depth of 1.1 mm. Wound closure was achieved with a DTS adhesive skin closure device coupled with MTP xenograft powder as a healing adjunct.
Conclusion: The results of this patient's case indicate that DTS adhesive skin closure device should be considered as an additional option for the closure of large defects following wide local excision in the management of melanoma.