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Case Study
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Convenience sample to assess the effect of a new absorbent acrylic transparent dressing on patients undergoing breast surgery Ethel MacIntosh, MD, FRCPS, FACS, Shirley Herlick, RN, BN, MScA, Winnipeg Regional Health AuthoBreast Health Clinic, Manitoba Purpose: .The aim of this pilot study was to trial a new semi-occlusive transparent absorbent acrylic dressing in breast surgery patients to investigate whether it would improve the patients' quality of life, comfort, and clinical outcomes such as wound infection and wound appearance. .Methodology:.Ten subjects from a convenience sample, who received a mastectomy or lumpectomy with or without sentinel node dissection, the new acrylic dressings applied immediately post operatively. Clinicians assessed the wound and dressing performance. The subjects completed a questionnaire related to comfort and quality of life at their postoperative visit in 10 Ñ 14 days.Results:.Nineteen dressings were applied on 2 mastectomy an 8 lumpectomy participants where 9 participants had sentinel node dissections. Mean wear time of the dressings in days were 12.5, range 7-20, SD+4.27. The acrylic pad remained intact until removed at the postoperative visit. The transparent film border of the dressing started to lift in 13/19(68%) of dressings. There was minor tape burns at the border of two dressings where the participants had applied conventional tape. Two patients had a small area of redness at a small portion of the superior aspect of the dressings. .Clinicians observed that the wound appearance in all patients was improved; less erythema, induration and gaping of the skin edges and no wound infections. The dressings were conformable and easy to apply and remove..All participants reported that the dressing was comfortable and were pleased that they could shower within 24 hours. .All clinicians and participants approved of the dressings because of the ability to visualize the wound; no build-up of moisture; blood absorbed only leaving a small trace of red cells, no need to change the dressing therefore there was no need for homecare or office visits which lead to minimal disruption of participant's daily routines and a reduction in health care services. .Conclusions:.Choice of wound care dressings may significantly improve the patient's postoperative course and well-being which includes decreased infections, improved wound healing, less discomfort and improved quality of life. Further research is warranted. Armstrong MH, Price P. Wet-to-dry gauze dressings: fact and fiction. WOUNDS. 2004:16(2):56Ð62 Hutchinson JJ, McGuckin M. Occlusive dressings: a microbiologic and clinical review. August, 1990:18(4):257Ð268 Menaker GM. Wound dressings for office-based surgery. Facial Plast Surg. 2004:20(1):91Ð105. Moshakis V, Fordyce MJ, Griffiths JD, McKinna JA. Tegaderm versus gauze dressings in breast surgery. Br J Clin Pract.1984;38:149Ð152. |
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