Management of split-thickness donor sites with synthetic wound dressings: results of a comparative clinical study.

Abstract

This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, clinical study aimed at evaluating 3 different synthetic wound dressings for treating split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Seventy-seven patients were randomly assigned to 3 study groups: Suprathel, Biatain-Ibu, Mepitel. Wounds were inspected daily until complete reepithelization. Ease of care, treatment costs, and scar development after a 6 months follow-up were evaluated. Suprathel showed significant (P ≤ 0.001) pain reduction after 24 hours but increasing pain scores on the 5th day of treatment. Biatain-Ibu showed significant pain relief immediately after application and during the entire treatment period (P < 0.05). Mepitel did not show any significant pain reduction. No differences were seen with regard to healing time, quality of reepithelization, and scar development. Biatain-Ibu had the lowest overall treatment costs (P ≤ 0.001). The investigated materials did not differ with regard to quality and acceleration of the healing process, but Biatain-Ibu seems to be the most appropriate dressing material in terms of cost-effectiveness.