Zero Footprint Burn Care: How Biodegradable Dressings are Revolutionising Wound Management


Jeremy Bishay1, Isobel Yeap1, Aruna Wijewardana1, Bishoy Soliman1,
1Severe Burns Injury Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards , NSW, Australia

Abstract

Purpose
Biodegradable dressings have emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of managing burn wounds. These dressings are fabricated from natural polymers that can undergo biological degradation, obviating the need for removal. Biodegradable dressings are a superior alternative to traditional dressings due to their eco-friendliness and reduced waste production.

Methodology
A systematic review of articles relating to biodegradable dressings was conducted identifying a total of 7 studies.

Results
One study focused on chitosan, a natural polymer, and its efficacy in treating burns infected with pseudomonas aeruginosa. It demonstrated a higher survival rate (73.3%) among mice treated with chitosan compared to conventional silver-based dressings (27.3%) (1). Chitosan also promoted faster wound healing, reduced exudate and enhanced re-epithelialisation (1). Regarding donor site dressings, sodium alginate (Kaltostat) remains the preferred choice (1). A study involving 36 patients randomised to either Allevyn or Kaltostat demonstrated that Kaltostat resulted in reduced pain scores and a decreased frequency of dressing changes (1). Another biodegradable dressing, BTM, serves as a temporary skin substitute and reduces the need for extensive autograft harvesting, minimising donor site morbidity. BTM aids in integrating skin grafts by eliminating non-viable tissue, promoting granulation tissue formation, and acts as a scaffold to prevent wound contraction and excessive scar tissue formation (1).

Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence supports the use of biodegradable dressings in burns as they exhibit multiple benefits such as promoting healing, minimising infection and alleviating pain. However, the consideration of government subsidies for these dressings is crucial to effectively curb healthcare waste and foster sustainable practices in the field.

References:
(1) Solanki N, York B, Gao Y, Baker P, Wong R, N 2020, ‘A consecutive case series of defects reconstructed using NovoSorb BTM: Initial experience and early results’, J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, vol 73, no. 10, pp. 1845-1853

Biography

Jeremy Bishay is a Craniofacial Surgery Research Fellow at Prince of Wales Hospital with a keen interest in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery