Silver Ion Hydrocolloid Gauze and Self-Adhesive Polyurethane Foam Dressing Combination Therapy Can Better Promote Healing of Skin Graft Donor Area Than Traditional Therapy: A Case Control Study

Abstract

The management of skin graft donor area has been a troublesome problem in reconstructive surgery. Currently, no guidelines exist for the management of skin graft donor areas, and the disposal methods vary from clinician to clinician. With the goal of providing a better basis for improved patient care, the authors conducted a case control study to investigate whether a combination of silver ion hydrocolloid gauze and self-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing (AG+foam group) was effective in healing skin graft donor sites. Forty-eight patients requiring intermediate-thickness skin graft between January 2014 and December 2015 were included in the study. Inclusion criteria included a skin graft measuring at least 40 cm2 to be harvested from the ipsilateral thigh and patient age of 14 years to 60 years. All patients were treated differently according to the experience of their own doctor. Donor sites were covered with silver ion hydrocolloid gauze and self-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing (AG+foam group, n = 23]) or petrolatum gauze, sterile gauze, and compression bandage (control group, n = 25]). Wounds healed faster (mean, 12.7 days ± 2.4 standard deviation vs 22.0 days ± 5.8; P < .001), with fewer dressing changes (median [interquartile range, IQR], 2 [IQR, 2-3] vs 4 [IQR, 2.5-5]; P = .002), and with reduced pain on first dressing change (median visual analog scale score, 5 [4-6] vs 7 [6-7.5]; P < .001) in the AG+foam group compared with the control group. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales and overall scar ratings were better in the AG+foam group than in the control group (P < .001 for all). The AG+foam group had no infections; 2 infections occurred in the control group. Combined use of AG+foam dressing may enhance skin graft donor site healing, alleviate pain, and require fewer dressing changes.