[The search for an "ideal" surgical dressing]

Trials of a new occlusive dressing, Op-site (Smith Nephew), were conducted on a group of patients. Op-site is a fine, transparent, elastic, self-adhesive polyurethan film. Although non-porous and therefore water- and bacteria-proof, it is permeable to gases. The existing dressings fulfil only a few of the criteria of an "ideal" dressing and in some cases actually interfere with the healthy process. The main disadvantages are: the disturbance of newly formed epithelium, when many dressings are removed, their fibres become embedded in the new tissues and cause inflammation and delayed healing. Few dressings are true bacterial barriers and the hazard of infection of the wound is always present. Recent studies of the mechanism of wound healing have indicated that a moist, not dry surrounding provides the optimum conditions for wound repair. Healing under Op-site is said to be quicker because the serous exudate permits unhindered migration of new cells across the wound bed and prevents cellular dehydration. In contrast, under dry conditions healing is delayed because the new skin cells must first cleave a path through dehydrated dermis before migrating across the wound. The Op-site wound dressing can be readily applied over the joints and allows complete freedom of movement. The skin remains dry and the wound moist, providing the ideal environment for rapid healing. The film does not adhere to the moist wound and can therefore be removed without damage to the newly formed epidermis. The adhesive is low allergic. Finally, the wound can be assessed without removing the transparent Op-site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)