Reconstituted collagen xenografts for the repair of oroparanasal defects: an experimental study.

An experimental animal model system for reproduction of oroparanasal communications in the guinea pig is reported. Standard clinical closure techniques, both immediate and delayed, are used, as well as a new graft material-reconstituted collagen. The clinical and histologic findings are discussed. Results indicate that an oroparanasal defect in the guinea pig can be maintained, that the use of reconstituted bovine collagen as a xenograft to the defect is an aid to closure and contour, and that further study is warranted for eventual application in humans.