Bovine pericardium for dural graft: clinical results in 22 patients

Background: Bovine pericardium has widely been used for grafts in cardiac surgery and seems to have suitable properties for use as a dural graft. We report our experience of using locally processed bovine pericardium for dural grafts in 22 patients undergoing cranial operations. Methods: 22 patients were analysed prospectively and followed-up for a maximum 3 years. All available records and information regarding the indication for grafting, graft size, complications and outcome were collected and analysed. Results: Indications for grafting included neurosurgical, tumour, congenital and trauma patients. Outcomes were classified as good or excellent in 20 patients, whereas in two patients death was not related to surgical closure but more to malignant intracranial hypertension. In no patient was the dural graft a significant factor in the outcome. Bovine pericardium was found to be easily sutured and watertight using standard 4-0 silk suture. This material is relatively inexpensive compared to other non-synthetic grafts. Conclusion: In this clinical assessment, our bovine pericardium better known as Lyolemb® was found to be an excellent dural graft material for local and eventual international consumption.