The use of Mepitel® instead of tie-over dressing for lower-limb split skin grafts

Extra-wound fixation: a modified tie-over dressing technique for skin graft

OBJECTIVE

Tie-over dressing is the most frequently used technique of skin grafting. However, many deficiencies affecting the outcome have been reported. We hereby introduce a modified method, termed the 'extra-wound fixation technique', for skin dressing, and evaluate the complications and clinical outcomes.

METHOD

In this retrospective cross-sectional study we analysed the medical records of patients treated between January 2012 and December 2017. All patients received full thickness skin grafts. Patients were divided equally into to groups: patients were treated using the extra-wound fixation technique, and the remaining, randomly selected patients treated using the traditional tie-over method. The extra-wound fixation technique uses the traditional tie-over dressing method followed by additional stitches made in healthy skin locating 0.5-1.0 cm laterally to the wound edge. The follow-up outcomes between the two groups were compared using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients took part (19 patients in each group). The follow-up duration was 1-6 months. No raised edges were observed in any of the patients. Prolonged follow-up demonstrated that the grafted skin texture became soft with a thin layer of adipose tissue, and elasticity was gradually improved along with the regeneration of dermoelastic fibre. The colour was similar to the normal skin with a smooth surface. Compared with the traditional method, the extra-wound fixation technique significantly improved the survival of the grafted skin (p=0.008), reduced the risk of laceration of the skin (p=0.001), and eliminated crater rim-like appearances (p=0.020).

CONCLUSION

The extra-wound fixation technique could be used for different skin grafts and improve clinical outcomes compared with the traditional tie-over dressing method.

Mepitel One: a wound contact layer with Safetac technology

This article examines the use of Mepitel One, a wound contact layer that promotes wound healing by using the clinical benefits of Safetac technology. A wide range of clinical evidence shows that dressings with Safetac prevent trauma, minimise wound pain and associated psychological stress, while facilitating undisturbed wound healing. Mepitel One has been developed as a highly transparent wound contact layer with Safetac on the wound contact surface alone; this makes it easy to apply without sticking to gloves, and allows it to be used with a choice of secondary dressings. The dressing can stay in place for up to 14 days and allows examination of the wound without removal. The clinical evidence reviewed here shows that Mepitel One is a versatile option for use on a wide range of wound types to promote undisturbed healing and minimise pain at dressing changes.