Polylactic Acid Membrane Improves Outcome of Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Prospective, Comparative, Randomized Study.

Abstract

Polyurethane film dressings are commonly applied for coverage of split-thickness skin graft donor sites, although previous studies have suggested reduced morbidity using a polylactic acid membrane. To further investigate the optimal treatment approach, the authors compared outcomes of donor sites in patients receiving either polylactic acid membrane or polyurethane film. This randomized clinical trial allocated patients requiring split-thickness skin grafting to receive either polylactic acid membrane or polyurethane film at the donor site. The primary endpoint was difference in donor-site scar appearance between groups 3 months postoperatively, using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Secondary endpoints included pain, number of and time required for wound dressing changes, and costs related to the wound dressing. Thirty patients were allocated to each group. The median Vancouver Scar Scale score was lower for patients receiving polylactic acid membrane [polyurethane film, 3 (interquartile range, 2 to 4); polylactic acid membrane, 2 (interquartile range, 1 to 3); p = 0.049]. Pain during change of wound dressing (polyurethane film, 2.0 ± 0.2; polylactic acid membrane, 0.5 ± 0.2; p < 0.001) and mobilization (polyurethane film, 0.8 ± 0.2; polylactic acid membrane, 0.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.032) were reduced in the polylactic acid membrane group. Patients with polylactic acid membrane required fewer dressing changes per day of hospital stay (polyurethane film, 0.44 ± 0.06; polylactic acid membrane, 0.28 ± 0.02; p = 0.015). Mean time for wound dressing changes per patient was higher in the polyurethane film group (polyurethane film, 74.50 ± 5.72 minutes; polylactic acid membrane, 21.43 ± 2.61 minutes; p < 0.001). Costs were higher in the polylactic acid membrane group (polyurethane film, €67.83 ± €5.56; polylactic acid membrane, €162.79 ± €21.76; p < 0.001). Polylactic acid membrane improves outcome of split-thickness skin grafting donor sites; however, higher treatment costs must be taken into consideration. Therapeutic, II.