[A new concept of dressing: silastic foam]

The authors report their experience, still short, of a new type of dressing based upon Silastic foam used in general surgery. They emphasise the considerable progress achieved in the everyday care of their patients with easy to manage dressings and the virtual disappearance of pain. This has transformed the patients' existence and has made early physiotherapy possible in certain of them. The simplicity of use of this dressing leads to savings in time and cost and if the patient is cooperative the possibility of widespread use at home by the patient himself. The properties of this foam form the basis for a wide range of indications going beyond general surgery, with applications in ENT, dermatology, rehabilitation centres, etc. Results are satisfactory in 90% of cases, the only failures being due to a failure to obey the basic principles of care: doubtful indication (inadequate disinfection of wounds), neglect of concomitant pathology (diabetes, nutritional state) or lack of patient cooperation.