The use of hydrofiber for skin graft fixation was effective and technically very simple. Splints were not required with this method, decreasing the medical waste created and increasing patient comfort. We suggest that this is an excellent alternative for skin graft fixation while at the same time decreasing our carbon footprint as surgeons.

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients have different levels of functional impairment, and rehabilitation is essential to achieving functional recovery. Many post-stroke patients transition from acute treatment to post-acute care (PAC) with nasogastric tubes (NGTs) for rehabilitation. However, long-term NGT placement can lead to several complications, and its earlier removal can effectively reduce the incidence of mortality. This study aimed to use a PAC–cerebrovascular disease (CVD) program and physical functional evaluation scale tools to demonstrate the factors associated with NGT removal before post-stroke patient discharge. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected between January 2017 and August 2022. We divided patients who had NGTs at admission into discharged with and without NGT groups to compare their baseline characteristics and physical functional status. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the predictive factors for NGT removal. Results: There were 63 participants: 22 without NGT removal and 41 with NGT removal. The NGT removal rate was 65%. Age and scores for the activities of daily living by the Barthel index (BI), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Concise Chinese Aphasia Test were significantly different in terms of NGT removal status, but only the BI and FOIS were significantly correlated with NGT removal. Patients’ BI scores indicating severe to moderate dependence (21–90) had a 4.55 times greater chance of NGT removal (odds ratio, 4.55; p < 0.05) than patients who had total dependence (<20). Every one-point increase in FOIS score indicated a 3.07 times greater chance of NGT removal (odds ratio, 3.07; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The BI and FOIS evaluations may indicate the probability of NGT removal in patients.

Objective: Conventional skin graft fixation uses a tie-over bolus dressing with splint fixation. However, splints are highly uncomfortable and contribute considerably to medical waste. Previous study has shown positive results using hydrofiber for skin graft fixation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation. Method: In this retrospective study, patients reconstructed with split-thickness skin graft that was fixated only with adhesive hydrofiber foam from April 2017 until April 2019 were included. Results: A total of 44 patients took part, of whom 32 were male and 12 female, with a mean age of 56±19 years. The mean operative time was 77.5±91 minutes. The average defect size was 42±37cm2. The mean skin graft take was 97±5%. The mean length of hospital admission after skin grafting until discharge was 8.5±9.2 days. Excluding those patients undergoing other procedures at the same time as the skin graft gave a total of 34 patients. Their mean operative time was 32±20 minutes, and mean length of hospital stay after skin grafting was 4.0±4.7 days. Conclusion: Adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation was technically very easy to apply, resulting in a waterproof, non-bulky, secure dressing. Splints were not required. Patients were allowed to mobilise. This method resulted in increased patient comfort and decreased medical waste. From these findings, we believe that this is an extremely simple and effective method of skin graft fixation.