Skin Graft Fixation Using Hydrofiber (Aquacel® Extra).

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Wound Healing
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Traditional skin graft fixation involves tie-over bollus dressings and splints.
• Splints used for extremity skin graft fixation are heavy, uncomfortable, and generate significant medical waste.
• Hydrofiber (Aquacel Extra) dressings possess strong fluid absorption and good fixation properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of hydrofiber dressing for skin graft fixation, replacing traditional splints.
• To assess the impact of this method on medical waste reduction and patient comfort.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 56 patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting.
• Hydrofiber dressing was used exclusively for graft fixation, omitting the need for splints.
• Data were collected between March 2015 and March 2016.

Main Results:

• The study included 44 men and 12 women, with a mean age of 61 years.
• Defect sizes varied from small fingertips to large lower limb defects (average 61 ± 78 cm²).
• An average skin graft take of 96% ± 6% was achieved, with approximately 48 kg of medical waste saved annually.

Conclusions:

• Hydrofiber dressing provides effective and simple skin graft fixation.
• This technique eliminates the need for splints, thereby reducing medical waste and improving patient comfort.
• Using hydrofiber for skin graft fixation is a sustainable alternative that lowers surgeons' carbon footprint.