Non-Woven Tape and Orange Based Adhesive Remover for Skin Graft Stabilization: A Simple and Non-Traumatic Technique
Muangman P, MD1, Techalertsuwan N, MD1, Namviriyachote N, PhD1, Chinaroonchai K, MD1
Affiliation : 1 Division of Trauma, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Skin grafts are commonly used to facilitate burn wound closure. Staples or sutures used to graft skin can be painful.
We studied the use of non-woven tape to fix the skin graft and an orange oil based adhesive remover to remove the tape.
Objective : To compare skin graft attachment, pain and financial costs using non-woven tape and orange-based adhesive remover
or staples.
Materials and Methods : A randomized controlled trial was conducted in hospitalized burn patients who received skin graft for
wound closure on the extremities or body. Burn patients were randomized to receive either non-woven tape (study group) or
staples (control). The staples or tape were removed seven days after grafting. The non-woven tape was removed using an orange
oil based adhesive remover and the staples were taken off with a standard staple remover. The skin graft attachment area, days to
complete wound healing, pain score and cost of treatment were compared.
Results : Non-woven tape fixed the skin graft as effectively as staples. No differences in the area of skin graft take or days to wound
closure were observed. The pain score (p<0.05) and cost of treatment (p<0.05) in the present study group was significantly lower.
No allergic reactions or other complications were observed.
Conclusion : Non-woven tape and removal with orange oil based adhesive remover fixed skin grafts were as effective as staples but
with less pain and lower costs. Non-woven tape is an effective and cost efficient method to fix skin grafts on the extremities and body.
Keywords : Skin graft, Adhesive remover, Orange peel oil
