Using an Elastomeric Skin Protectant to Manage Donor Site Wounds of Split-thickness Skin Grafts: A Case Series

Abstract

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a common surgical procedure to manage acute and chronic wounds. A plethora of dressings exists to treat STSG donor site wounds (DSWs). Recently, a new elastomeric skin protectant was adopted (Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant; 3M) in the treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis. In this report, the authors assess the effects of this elastomeric skin protectant as an alternative wound dressing for STSG donor sites. The authors report a single-center prospective case series that was performed to establish a treatment protocol. Nine consecutive patients with different indications for treatment with an STSG from May to September 2018 were included. Collected data included general patient information, comorbidities, complications, blood loss, pain during dressing change, and the duration of DSW healing. This case series showed promising results in terms of duration of DSW healing when applying the elastomeric skin protectant. The authors also observed less blood loss and less pain during dressing changes. No infections were seen during the trial.