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Bovine Dermal Graft

Bovine dermal graft (e.g., Permacol) is a decellularized, cross-linked bovine dermis graft used historically for prolapse repair and complex pelvic reconstruction as a biological alternative to synthetic mesh.

Composition & Processing​

  • Bovine dermal tissue decellularized to remove cellular antigens
  • Glutaraldehyde cross-linking increases mechanical strength and resistance to enzymatic degradation
  • More persistent in vivo than less-cross-linked biological grafts

Use Cases​

  • Prolapse repair — largely supplanted by native tissue or polypropylene
  • Complex pelvic-floor reconstruction in contaminated fields
  • Abdominal wall reconstruction in urologic patients (e.g., after complex cystectomy closure)

Current Status​

Limited contemporary use in urogynecology; Permacol retains niche roles in hernia and contaminated-field abdominal reconstruction.

See also: Porcine Acellular Collagen Matrix.