The use of Opsite, a vapour permeable dressing, on skin graft donor sites

Abstract

A trial of a moisture vapour permeable dressing (Opsite) on split-skin graft donor sites of 53 patients has been carried out. The main advantages were freedom from pain, early healing and lack of bulky dressings. The disadvantages were post-operative leakage of fluid from under the Opsite and fragility of the newly healed donor site for the first few days. An occlusive dressing for the first 48 hours post-operatively is suggested to help overcome the leakage problem, and care of the healed donor site, with particular emphasis on not removing Opsite that is adherent to it, is stressed.