The ideal split-thickness skin graft donor site dressing: rediscovery of polyurethane film.

Abstract

The almost single disadvantage of polyurethane film dressings, an uncontrolled leakage, is probably as often described as its numerous advantages for split-thickness skin graft donor sites. We solved this problem by perforating the polyurethane film, which permits a controlled leakage into a secondary absorbent dressing. The study included 30 adult patients. Skin graft donor sites at the proximal thigh were dressed with the modified film dressing. Our results indicate that this dressing concept is associated with a reliable, rapid rate of epithelization. Both, controlled leakage and minimal pain caused particular comfort for patients and ward staff. Furthermore, this dressing was also suited for differently shaped and large donor sites. We conclude that the modification results in a more practicable, comfortable, and cost-effective film dressing, which requalifies the polyurethane film as an ideal dressing material for split-thickness skin graft donor sites.