This study aimed to compare the performance of a hydrofibre (Aquacel) and an alginate (Sorbsan) dressing on acute surgical wounds left to heal by secondary intention. A total of 100 patients were prospectively randomised pre-operatively to receive either the hydrofibre or the alginate dressing. Dressing performance was measured at operation, at 24 hours and seven days. Parameters measured included ease of: application and removal of the first dressing; re-application on the first postoperative day; and removal and re-application one week postoperatively. The hydrofibre dressing received higher scores for all of these categories. Patients in this group also experienced less pain (mild or none) on removal of the first dressing and at one week. However, these results did not achieve statistical significance, and should be seen as a trend. Nevertheless, the authors recommend the use of hydrofibre dressings on open acute surgical wounds.