Interrupting Negative-pressure Wound Therapy with Dakin's Solution Is Associated with Increased Skin Graft Survival

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has improved split-thickness skin graft (STSG) survival rates, but prolonged application increases bacterial bioburden. Antimicrobial NPWT adjuncts have demonstrated efficacy, but strong evidence is lacking. We hypothesized that simultaneously replacing NPWT dressings within 48-72 hours and cleansing with Dakin's solution-a well-known antimicrobial agent-would increase STSG take.

We performed a controlled retrospective case series on three groups of STSG patients treated between January 2014 and December 2020: bolster dressings, continuous NPWT (C-NPWT), and Dakin's NPWT (D-NPWT). Patients with documented measurements of STSG survival were included. The primary outcome was the percentage of STSG take calculated by survival area using surgical tape measures 2 weeks after surgery.

Fifty-nine patients were followed up for greater than or equal to 3 months. Average wound size for bolsters was smaller than that for D-NPWT (83 cm2 versus 204 cm2; P < 0.05). Average treatment time was 6.4 ± 2.4 days (bolsters), 6.5 ± 0.9 days (C-NPWT), and 2.8 ± 0.9 days (D-NPWT; P < 0.01). Average percentage of STSG take was 92% ± 0% (bolsters), 82% ± 0% (C-NPWT), and 99% ± 0% (D-NPWT; P < 0.01); there were significant differences between bolsters versus C-NPWT (P < 0.05) and C-NPWT versus D-NPWT (P < 0.05), but not between bolsters and D-NPWT.

Interrupting NPWT with 0.125% Dakin's solution cleansing is associated with increased STSG survival compared with standard NPWT protocols, but not bolster dressings. These findings warrant further investigation due to limitations of this retrospective case series.