Prospective evaluation of occlusive hydrocolloid dressing versus conventional gauze dressing regarding the healing effect after abdominal operations: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare occlusive hydrocolloid dressing (OHD; Karayahesive) and gauze dressing (GD) with regard to the cost and incidence of wound infection after abdominal surgery.

Methods: A total of 134 patients who underwent incisions were randomized to have their wounds dressed with either OHD or GD. OHD was left on until the sutures were removed, and GD was changed everyday postoperatively. The cost calculations represent the number of dressings required for each treatment group as determined by the frequency of required dressing changes and cost per dressing.

Results: There were no differences between the groups regarding the need for dressings to be changed or the incidence of infection. OHD was less expensive and complicated than GD, which needed to be changed everyday (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The results suggest that OHD is less expensive to use than GD, and the risk of wound infection is not increased compared to GD.