title: Comparison of hydrocellular foam and calcium alginate in the healing and comfort of split-thickness skin-graft donor sites.
abstract: This is a comparative study of a hydrocellular foam (Allevyn, Smith and Nephew) and a calcium alginate (Kaltostat, ConvaTec) in dressing split-thickness skin-graft donor sites. The dressing materials were used in equal halves of each donor site in 20 patients undergoing skin-graft harvest. The donor sites dressed with Allevyn showed a tendency to earlier healing, but this was not confirmed statistically. However, Allevyn was found to be more comfortable than Kaltostat and this difference was statistically significant. Due to its increased patient comfort, cheaper cost and comparable time to healing with Kaltostat, the authors recommend the use of Allevyn as a dressing for split-thickness skin-graft donor sites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, West Norwich Hospital, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: N V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Vaingankar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sylaidis
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Eagling
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Elender
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000464:Alginates / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D017592:Skin Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D011140:Polyurethanes; C081143:allevyn; D020723:Glucuronic Acid