A Comparative Study Between Collagen Sheet Dressing and Conventional Paraffin Gauze Dressing to Donor Site in Patients Undergoing Split Skin Grafting

Abstract

Introduction: Split skin grafting is a common procedure that causes partial thickness injury, typically treated with paraffin-soaked gauze. Re-epithelialization occurs in two weeks, but complications like pain, infection, and delayed healing can arise. This study aimed to compare collagen sheet dressing with conventional gauze dressing in reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing infection in donor sites. Material and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from December 2021 to January 2024. Fifty patients undergoing split skin graft surgery were assigned to either Group A (collagen sheet) or Group B (paraffin gauze). Outcomes such as pain, re-epithelialization, and infection were compared using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fischer’s exact, and Student’s t-tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of Group A and Group B was 53.92 and 56.6 years, respectively. Pain scores were significantly lower in the collagen group (P<0.05). Epithelialization on day 10 was higher in the collagen group (85.2±5.09) compared to the conventional group (68.4±8). One patient in the conventional group had an infection, whereas none were observed in the collagen group. Conclusion: Collagen sheet dressing in split skin grafting donor sites results in reduced pain, faster epithelialization, and lower infection rates.