Use of a hydrocolloid dressing to aid in the closure of surgical wounds in patients with fragile skin

A novel adhesive suture retention device for the closure of fragile skin under tension

“…Reported materials used include Fixomull (BSN Medical, Inc, Hamburg, Germany), Steri-strips, polyethylene film with an acrylate adhesive, and a hydrocolloid dressing. [1][2][3][4][5] Hydrocolloids and film dressing can trap excessive moisture beneath them resulting in wound maceration. When used alone, nonwoven polyester (eg, Fixomull) will absorb excessive fluid and can lead to malodor and poor dressing hygiene.…”

“…Multiple methods have been previously described in the literature to assist surgeons in the closure of fragile skin. [1][2][3][4][5] These methods involve cutting dressing materials in various configurations, adhering them to the skin, and suturing through it. When used on larger defects or those under tension, these dressing materials often fail to provide adequate support.…”

A View on Polymer-Based Composite Materials for Smart Wound Dressings

“…The moist conditions produced under the dressing and the control of the exudate are intended to promote fibrinolysis, angiogenesis and wound healing, to encourage the production of granulation tissue and to increase the quantity of synthesized collagen, leading to an increase on tissue regeneration, without causing softening and breaking down of the tissue [86]. On the other hand, these dressings also contribute for a better management of pain, due to the hydration enhancement, which will help the autolytic debridement, and will also provide a physical barrier to external microorganisms [86,88]. Nevertheless, because these products are non-breathable theyare not recommended prior to infection control [87].…”

“…There are a great variety of commercially available hydrocolloid dressings such as Granuflex®, Aquacel™, Comfeel™, Tegasorb™, Exuderm®, Duoderm®, Ultec™ or Tegaderm™ and these are adequate solutions for both acute and/or chronic wounds, moist or dry, to form a semipermeable thin sheet and to produce a flat, occlusive and adhesive dressing [89]. These dressings are made in sheets that can easily be cut to fit the desired size or shape of ulcers, traumatic injuries, surgical wounds, graft donor sites, superficial wounds, and some burns without the need of separate taping [88]. Due to its diversity and availability at a relatively low cost, to introduce innovation on hydrocolloid dressings, becomes a difficult task.…”

Commentary on Assessment of Materials to Prevent Sutures Cutting Through Atrophic Skin

“…There have been many case reports and correspondences published suggesting that various materials can be applied to atrophic skin to provide additional strength. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Kitcat and colleagues 5 published the only other study that used a quantitative method to measure the strength of a skin reinforcement method. They demonstrated that wound closure tape applied to foam surgical practice skin had superior strength compared with the foam skin alone.…”