Clinical trial to compare between different dressing methods on split thickness graft donor site (conventional method VS Ca alginate Vs Hydrocolloid sheet)

Abstract Background According WHO Egypt has high incidence in RTA and burn. Controversy between studies and reviews on the best dressing on donor site, while evidence support the use of moist wound dressings other centers believe that the impregnated gauze is cost effective. Objective Comparison between 3 types of dressings: The Conventional method (Vaseline gauze), Calcium alginate and Hydrocolloid sheets to determine which donor-site dressings are associated with the best outcomes for faster healing rate, less Pain, decreased Infection rate, healing quality and cost-effectiveness. Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 60 patients 35 males (58.33%) and 25 females (41.67%) in Ahmed Maher Teaching hospital divided into 20 patients in each, the conventional by Vaseline gauze group, the hydrocolloid using group and the Ca alginate group. Results The hydrocolloid showed highly significant overall results in faster epithilization and healing rate with mean 9.35 days ± 1.8 days and significant pain reduction post operatively and comfort during dressings and it was satisfactory in the reduction in change frequency as most patients healed between 7 – 10 days and in most cases the requirement for dressing change was every 5 days. Conclusion Modern wound dressings should become the standard of care in Egyptian burn centers and hydrocolloid is advised when multiple reharvesting for huge skin defects and increase satisfaction with considerable cost effectiveness. Vaseline gauze showed the worst results, but cost effectiveness by direct method is doubted if compared by the indirect and global cost of analgesics, hospital stay and medical stuff burden of dressing frequency.