H. Giele et al., Adhesive retention dressings are more comfortable than alginate dressings on split skin graft donor sites - a randomised controlled trial, ANN RC SURG, 83(6), 2001, pp. 431-434
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Surgery
Journal title
ANNALS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND
A prospective randomised trial examining the effectiveness, comparative com
fort and ease of care of two different split skin graft donor site dressing
s was performed. One of the dressings was an alginate (Kaltostat(R)), and t
he other an adhesive retention tape (Mefix(R)). Alginates are the standard
plastic surgical dressing, whereas the use of adhesive retention tapes as a
donor site dressing presents a novel use of a readily available product. A
total of 30 consecutive patients requiring split skin grafts were randomis
ed to receive either alginate or retention donor site dressings. Dressings
were assessed by interview and questionnaire at 24 h and 48 h and at 2 week
s, and by wound review at 2 weeks. Retention dressings were found to be mor
e comfortable. They also required less nursing care and attention. The rete
ntion dressings allowed the patients easier mobility and a greater range of
daily activities, especially washing. There was no significant difference
in wound healing nor in complications. Adhesive retention tape applied dire
ctly to the split skin graft donor site wound is an effective, cheap and co
mfortable dressing requiring little postoperative care.