Split-thickness skin graft donor sites: a comparative study of two absorbent dressings

Objective: To identify the optimal dressing for split-thickness skin graft (SSG) donor sites. Method: This prospective randomised controlled trial compared two dressings — a new absorbent form of a polyurethane film dressing (Tegaderm Absorbent, 3M) and our standard alginate dressing (Kaltostat, ConvaTec) — on SSG donor sites in 40 patients. Primary outcome measures were: reduced time to full healing; reduced postoperative pain; reduced leakage rates from the dressing. Secondary outcome measures related to acceptability of the dressings to the patient. Results: On removal of the dressings at the first assessment, 79% of the Tegaderm Absorbent donor sites had healed completely, compared with 16% of the Kaltostat ones (pConclusion: Tegaderm Absorbent provides a significant improvement in terms of donor-site pain, healing and ease of management. Declaration of interest: None.