“Tent In” Technique of Tie-Over Dressing

Abstract

BACKGROUND Skin grafting is the most common method used for wound coverage in Plastic Surgery. Firm contact of the skin graft with the graft bed is essential for good take. Tie-over dressing is essential for this. Numerous methods have been described for this purpose. AIM To introduce a new method of tie-over dressing-"Tent in" technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this method, sterile synthetic hand towel is used for graft fixation along with sponge and staples. The sterile synthetic hand towel is available along with the disposable theatre gown. It is a type of synthetic nonwoven cloth, which is stretchable only in one direction. This method was tried in 30 patients with various indications and over different sites. RESULTS The patient group consisted of 18 males and 12 females. The age ranged from 16 yrs. to 71 yrs. (mean 51.2 yrs.). Among 30 cases included in this study, the graft take was excellent in all except two. In all cases in which this procedure was used, there were no seroma or haematoma under the skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS 'Tent in' technique is a novel method for placing tie-over dressing. This method is simple, fast and easy to practice. Excellent graft take is obtained by this technique.