Assessing the Influence of Hyaluronan Dressing on Wound Healing on Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites Using a...

Objectives: The topical application of hyaluronic acid after injury may accelerate the wound healing process. We aimed to retrospectively investigate whether the topical application of hyaluronic acid on standardized wounds after split-thickness skin graft removal on the thigh would accelerate wound healing and improve scarring outcomes. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) scanning to assess scars. Methods: The wound healing process of a hyaluronan group (n = 20) and a control (n = 21) were analyzed and evaluated using 3D scans at 7 and 14 days and 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Scar evaluations by the patients were conducted 6 months post-operatively using the patient and observer scar assessment scale and the Manchester scar scale. Experts evaluated the scars after 6 months using a modified version of both scales. Results: On days 7 and 14, significantly larger areas of the wound surface were closed in the hyaluronan group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After 1 month, significantly more crusted areas remained in the control group than in the hyaluronan group (p < 0.05). At the 6-month self-assessments, the hyaluronan group evaluated their scars as being significantly better compared to the control group. Conclusions: The topical application of hyaluronic acid in combination with polyurethane foam as a wound dressing after split skin removal accelerated the wound healing rate and positively influenced scar appearance after 6 months. Three-dimensional scanning is useful for evaluating and documenting the wound healing process.