A prospective comparative study on the effectiveness of two different non-adherent polyurethane dressings on split-thickness skin graft donor sites

Aim: To analyze differences in re-epithelization, exudate absorbency, ease and pain on dressing removal between ALLEVYN™ Non-Adhesive and Betaplast™ N.

Methodology: Patients admitted to the general ward undergoing split skin grafting were recruited. Allevyn and Betaplast were applied on the donor site. Exudate absorption was assessed daily using an absorbency grading chart. Dressing change was done on post-operative day five. Ease of dressing removal and pain score using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale was assessed. The percentage of re-epithelization for each dressing was assessed.

Results: 30 patients were recruited. There was a statistically significant difference in exudate absorption on post-operative day 3 (z = -2.006, p = 0.045, T = 236) and post-operative day 4 (z = -2.026, p = 0.0143, T = 188), pain score (z = -2.861, p = 0.004, T = 180), ease of removal (z = -2.668, p = 0.008, T = 126) and re-epithelization (z = -2.566, p = 0.009, T = 336) between Betaplast and Allevyn.

Conclusion: Betaplast may have faster re-epithelization, better exudate absorption, and is easier to remove while minimizing discomfort as compared to Allevyn.