Clinical Problem: The literature reports a number of topical therapies to manage split thickness skin graft donor sites (STSGDS)¹. Meta-analysis does not reveal one evidence-based standard “best dressing” ². An ideal donor site dressing is one that absorbs exudate commonly seen in the immediate post-operative period yet adjusts to maintain optimal moisture balance as the wound heals combined with rapid and painless reepithelialization².

Clinical Approach: The use of a super absorbent foam dressing with a silicone contact layer*, was applied to two patients (Pt. A and Pt. B) who each failed traditional STSGDS with a soft silicone (Pt. A) and hydrocolloid (pt. B)due to absorbency/adhesion issues and pain associated with the loss of adhesion.

Outcomes: Each patient obtained seven day wear time without leakage, clinical signs of infection with the absence of pain (Pt. A) or minimal discomfort (Pt. B). Reepithelialization occurred in 13 days (Pt. A) and 16 days (Pt. B).

Conclusion: The use of a super absorbent foam dressing with a silicone contact layer in split thickness donor sites is a viable treatment option for split thickness donor sites wounds. Randomized controlled studies should be initiated to explore epithelialization rates, pain, and scar outcome in comparison to other wound dressings used in STSGDS.

* Gentleheal Atraumatic Super Absorbent Foam Dressing. Medline Industries, Mundelein, IL

1. Rennekampff HO, Rabbels, J, Reinhard V, Becker ST, & Schaller HE Comparison the Vancouver Scar Scale with the cutometer in the assessment of donor site wounds treated with various dressings in a randomized trial. J Burn Care Res 2006 27(3):345-51.

2. Wiechula B. The use of moist wound healing dressings in the management of split-thickness skin graft donor sites: a systematic review. Int J Nurs Pract 2003 9(2):S9-17.