Evaluation of polyurethane dressing with ibuprofen in the management of split-thickness skin graft donor sites.
BACKGROUND
The authors investigated the possible effect of ibuprofen when included in polyurethane dressing foam in the management of pain and healing related to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites. The study focused on the use of a foam dressing, Biatain-Ibu, the combination of an absorbent hydrophilic polyurethane foam, Biatain, and the active ingredient ibuprofen as an integral part of the matrix.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted from October 2006 to April 2007 and included 40 patients undergoing surgery for any reconstructive purposes with the use of STSG. The patients were divided into two groups in a randomized fashion. In the first group of 20 patients, the donor sites were covered using Biatain-Ibu foam dressing. In the second group of 20 patients, the donor sites were closed intra-operatively with a standard dressing which did not contain any known healing promoting agent. To evaluate the extent and quality of the pain experienced by the patients and to score pain over time, the patients in the study were asked to complete a form containing a visual analogue scale and answer questions on the quality of pain and the way normal daily activities were affected.


RESULTS
The combined use of ibuprofen with bio-occlusive dressings accelerated wound healing compared to fine-mesh gauze dressings and almost eliminated pain and discomfort in all patients treated. In patients receiving topical ibuprofen, itch did not present a major problem.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that the Biatain-Ibu dressing is a useful tool in the management of STSG donor sites by providing an optimal environment for wound healing due to its bio-occlusive properties and by minimizing pain and discomfort.
Cigna
Emanuele
E
Department of Plastic Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. emanuelecigna@msn.com
Tarallo
Mauro
M
Bistoni
Giovanni
G
Anniboletti
Tommaso
T
Trignano
Emilio
E
Tortorelli
Giovanni
G
Scuderi
Nicolò
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001684:Biological Dressings; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D011140:Polyurethanes; D007052:Ibuprofen