Abstract

The use of split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) as a reconstructive technique in the diabetic foot is common. Studies on the ideal dressing for donor-site care have not included subjects such as diabetics who have wound-healing problems. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of high-valve water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) polyurethane film dressing in the management of the STSG donor site compared to the clinical standard fine mesh gauze dressing in diabetic patients. Twenty diabetic patients were observed for healing, scarring, and pain. Healing times were recorded. Pain was monitored using a visual analog pain scale and recorded. Scarring of the donor sites was assessed using the Vancouver scar scale 6 months after surgery. The WVTR dressing was found to be significantly better than mesh gauze dressing for the healing of STSG donor sites. Healing occurred more rapidly and with less pain. Moreover, it has some advantages of dry wound dressings such as ease of application and follow-up. Dressings should retain enough moisture to stimulate good healing and yet should not cause maceration to the surrounding skin, and also should not cause allergic reactions. In this study it was shown that high-valve WVTR polyurethane film dressing provided many qualities of the ideal split-thickness skin graft donor-site dressing.

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