Report of a prospective trial of dextranomer beads (Debrisan) and silicone foam elastomer (Silastic) dressings in surgical wounds

Abstract

A prospective randomized controlled trial of dextranomer beads (Debrisan) and silicone foam elastomer (Silastic) dressings in open infected surgical wounds has been performed. The results indicate that the healing time for wounds treated by Debrisan (n = 25) and elastomer (n = 25) is similar, being 40·92 ± 3·98 and 36·90 ± 3·18 days respectively. The time taken for wounds to become pain-free was similar in both treatment groups, as was the persistence of signs in the wounds of erythema, oedema and slough. Comparison of cost reveals the elastomer dressing to be considerably cheaper than Debrisan.