Efficacy of Duoderm(R) CGF in Split-thickness Skin Graft Donor Site Management

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment of the split-thickness skin graft donor sites remains an unresolved issue. The donor sites have been treated with various and plenty of dressing techniques and materials. Medifoam(R) is a polyurethane foam dressing material and this is widely used in treatment of burn wounds and split-thickness skin graft donor sites. But sometimes there are exudates collections or hematomas on the surface of donor sites and these would delay the wound healing. We have performed a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of Duoderm(R) CGF for removing the exudates or hematomas from donor sites. METHODS: This prospective study is based on 10 patients who had undergone split-thickness skin graft and had severe exudates or hematoma collections on donor sites from September 2010 to February 2011. All cases were harvested with same dermatome, and thickness is between 0.005 and 0.010 inch. We applied Duoderm(R) CGF to remove on postoperative day 3 in almost cases. We compared no problem area and exudates or hematomas existing area with complete healing day. RESULTS: The mean compete healing day of two areas were 8.6 and 10.0 days. The difference between no problem area and exudates or hematomas existing area was 1.4 days. There was no infection or inflammation on donor sites after using Duoderm(R) CGF. CONCLUSION: Duoderm(R) CGF dressing is a safe and effective management to remove exudates collections or hematomas on the surface of split-thickness skin graft donor sites during treatment.