Abstract
Various kinds of dressing are used for the donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts. However, we sometimes experienced continuous bleeding and uncontrolled leakage of exudate. Therefore, we attempted to control the leakage by negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). We treated 6 patients with donor site wounds on their lateral thigh. After harvesting a skin graft, we applied calcium alginate on the donor site wound as a contact layer. We then applied polyurethane foam over the calcium alginate layer and put a portable suction drain on it. Then we encircled them entirely with stomapaste as a sealant, and completely covered them with polyurethane film. As a result, we could prolong the term until the first dressing change after the operation to 8.5 days on average. Continuous bleeding or infection was not observed. Patient discomfort and pain were much reduced. In conclusion, the management of split-thickness donor site wounds with NPWT seemed to be useful.
