A Comparative Study of Post-Operative Wound Dressing Physical Attributes

Post-operative dressings serve a critical role in wound care. Healthcare providers must carefully consider wound characteristics and location to select the appropriate dressing for optimal healing. Dressings vary in structure, composition, active ingredients, and absorptive capacity.

This study used six internationally adopted standards to evaluate dressing physical attributes, including fluid handling, breathability, conformability, thickness, adhesive and frictional properties of one alginate plus carboxymethylcellulose (A+CMC)* and three CMC dressings.

Statistical analyses identified significant differences between the A+CMC* and CMC dressings. There were minor differences in total fluid handling. However, in terms of breathability, the mean moisture vapor transmission rate was dramatically higher in the A+CMC dressing* (1109.00 g/m2/24 hours) compared to the CMC dressings (800.6#, 385.9&, and 531.00 g/m2/24 hours) (p< 0.05). Hydrocolloid border thickness also varied.

The A+CMC dressing* mean thickness was 1.16 mm, which was thinner than two CMC dressings (1.16# and 1.12@mm) and thicker than one (0.72& mm) (p< 0.05). However, bending conformability, an indicator of stiffness, was lower for the A+CMC dressing* (28.84 mm) compared to CMC dressings (20.40#, 19.36&, and 16.14@ mm) (p< 0.05). Initial tack and peel adhesion, measurements of adhesive bond strength, were higher for the A+CMC dressing* compared to all CMC dressings. The mean peel adhesions were 6.84#, 6.08&, 10.53@, and 22.7* N/cm2 (p < 0.05) and mean initial tacks were 91.51#, 48.39&, 83.78@, and 250.78* kPa (p< 0.05). Lastly, the coefficient of friction, which measures backing film frictional properties, was dramatically higher in one CMC dressing& (7.36) compared to the others (1.31#, 0.99@, and 1.01*).

These findings suggest that compared to the CMC dressings#,&,@, the slimmer A+CMC dressing* and its reduced coefficient of friction will lessen physical trauma resulting from dressing changes or contact with clothes and bedsheets. Additionally, the A+CMC dressing* demonstrated superior breathability and contains more effective adhesives, with adhesive strength greater than three times more than the CMC#,&,@ dressings.

Coupled with its impressive conformability, this allows the A+CMC dressing* to remain in place. Together, this study highlights fundamental differences in physical attributes, providing clinicians with critical information required for the appropriate dressing selection to promote healing.