Abstract: Background. The aims of this research were to identify what actually constitutes a wet-to-dry dressing, explain why it is used, and describe how specialist nurses interpret this technique. Method. A descriptive exploratory questionnaire was sent to a convenience sample of general surgeons in New Hampshire and Vermont. Nine wound, ostomy, and continence nurses were interviewed as key informants. Results. The research showed that wet-to-dry dressings and gauze are commonly prescribed for situations where there is little evidence to support their use, such as with open surgical wounds healing by secondary intention. It demonstrated that there is inconsistency among surgeons and specialist nurses on how the technique should be performed, particularly relating to whether the gauze should be dry or moist when removed. Although 75 percent of respondents had access to more sophisticated dressings, reasons for not using these dressings included conflict with traditional approaches to

Abstract: Recently, a hydrofiber dressing (Aquacel®, Convatec, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Deeside, United Kingdom) has been used successfully for the treatment of partial-thickness burns. The hydrofiber dressings were not changed daily but left on the wounds for prolonged periods. After the new epidermis was closed, the dressings could be easily removed. To obtain more insight in the behavior of inflammatory cells in these wounds treated with the hydrofiber dressing, the authors prepared partial-thickness wounds in rats. The effects of the hydrofiber dressing were compared to that of a paraffin-impregnated gauze dressing (Jelonet™, Smith & Nephew, United Kingdom). The hydrofiber dressing adhered to the wounds by fibrin and fibronectin, leaving no dead space between the dressing and the wound bed. On the paraffin-impregnated gauze-covered wounds a crust was formed and sometimes the gauze became incorporated, leading to further damage upon dressing removal. A remarkable feature of the h

Abstract: Reconstruction of cutaneous scalp defects from tumor ablation are currently managed with a wide array of coverage options. These include split- or full-thickness skin grafting, local or regional flaps, tissue expansion, and free tissue transfer with variations and combinations thereof. Many of these options require multiple procedures, significant donor site morbidity, complex surgical techniques, attendant blood loss, and other associated surgical risks. The use of a dermal regeneration template (DRT) (Integra®, Integra Life Sciences, Plainsboro, New Jersey) obviates many of these disadvantages and can safely be performed under local anesthesia or as an outpatient procedure. The following case report describes the successful use of Drt with an ultra-thin split-thickness skin graft to reconstruct an 11cm x 11cm scalp defect after margin free excision of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) (Vacuum-Assisted Closure®, V.A.C.®, Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, Texas) has been shown to accelerate wound healing in animal and clinical studies. This is due to removal of interstitial fluids, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, increased vascularity and granulation tissue, decreased bacterial colonization, and removal of inhibitory factors from chronic wound edema. A histological study was recommended in the original article to give scientific answers regarding the positive effect of NPWT on the healing process of the skin graft. In this study, two meshed split-thickness skin grafts were performed in a mirror image on the back of a pig. On one side a conventional bolster dressing was applied, and on the other side the NPWT system was used. Three days later, both dressings were removed and core biopsies were obtained from each side on postoperative Days 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The NPWT side showed less wound edem