New Dressing Technique using Chitosan Gauze to Decrease Pain and Bleeding in Fingertip Injuries: a Randomized Trial
Visit Rungsinaporn MD*, Parunyu Vilai MD*, Channarong Kasemkijwattana MD*, Thitinut Dilokhuttakarn MD*, Kittipong Kongsomboon MD, MBA, PhD**
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand ** Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Background : In fingertip injuries, dressing material often adheres to the wound because of bleeding, causing pain when
removed. Chitosan is a new local hemostatic dressing certified for external use. It can enhance platelet adhesion, aggregation
and accelerated blood coagulation.
Objective : We hypothesized that dressing with chitosan gauze would cause less pain and decrease bleeding at dressing
changes.
Material and Method: In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 65 patients were diagnosed with fingertip injury. Eight
of them were excluded because of underlying disease. Sixty fingers from 57 patients were randomized into the standard
dressing group (30) and the chitosan dressing group (30). Visual analogue scale for pain was recorded after the first and
second dressings. Blood volume from the wound was collected from the dressing material at the second dressing. Data from
both groups were compared using independent t-test.
Results : The result showed significantly less bleeding from the chitosan group compared with the standard group. Pain was
not significantly different at the first dressing but the chitosan group was significantly less painful at the second dressing.
There were no complications after suture removal.
Conclusion : Chitosan gauze can be used as an alternative dressing material to decrease dressing pain and bleeding in
fingertip injury. Further studies are needed to expand the application of chitosan in other areas.
Keywords : Fingertip injury, Dressing, Chitosan gauze
