Bioelectric Dressing on Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: A wide variety of advanced dressing materials have been developed to improve wound healing. One of such innovations is the bioelectric dressing. The bioelectric dressing mimics naturally-originating electricity within the body that promotes wound healing. Bioelectric dressings also disrupt biofilm formation and support cell migration, improving epithelization. This pilot study aims to examine the potential effect of bioelectric dressings on skin graft donor sites.Methods: Skin was harvested from the lateral upper thigh area of each patient. One-half of the donor site was covered with a bioelectrical dressing followed by a foam dressing, and the other half was covered with only a foam dressing. Dressings were changed every 1–4 days depending on the exudate of the donor site. A swab culture was done on each portion on postoperative day (POD) 7. On POD 14, each side of the donor site was photographed and then evaluated by a blinded plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in epithelization.Results: A total of nine patients successfully completed the study. In terms of epithelization, the bioelectric dressing was superior to the control dressing in seven patients; two of them completely epithelialized on POD 14 and POD 10. The other two cases apparently had similar epithelization ratios on both sides. Only one patient had positive swab culture results.Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that bioelectric dressings may stimulate epithelization.