Efficacy of collagen sheet dressings for donor site in split skin grafting

Abstract Background: Research has shown that if collagen is used for dressings, the clinical outcomes are better. This is because it controls a variety of cellular functions. These findings are based on molecular mechanics. Objective: To study the efficacy of collagen sheet dressing for donor site in split skin grafting. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based prospective study was carried out among those undergoing donor site wound (DSW) after split skin graft harvest. Wound dressing effectiveness was assessed using the time taken for re-epithelialization, Visual Analog Scale to assess pain. Donor site was evaluated clinically for presence and absence of any infection at each point of examination. The number of donor site dressings needed was noted. Type and dosage of analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/opioids) needed postoperatively were noted. Results: Mean age was 48.2 years, males were double than females. Chronic nonhealing ulcer was most common diagnosis. Healing was seen in 88% of the cases. Mean% area of epithelialization increased from 40.78% on third day to 87.36% by 14 th day. Mean% change between third and seventh day was 60% and between third and 14 th day was 114.49%. It was 33.17% between the 7 th and 14 th day. Visual Analog Scale score decreased significantly from 4.96 on third day to 0.58 on 14 th day. In 82% of the cases, the analgesics were not required. Conclusion: Collagen sheet dressing was effective in obtaining complete healing at the DSWs.