Clinical evaluation of hydrocolloid dressings for neurosurgical wounds

BackgroundEmpirical methods in postoperative wound care have been performed by individual neurosurgeons. We evaluated a hydrocolloid dressing for neurosurgical wounds according to the modern concept of wound healing.MethodsFrom May 2005 to March 2007, we performed 117 cranial neurosurgical procedures in consecutive 100 patients. Karayahesive® (ALCARE, Tokyo, Japan), a transparent hydrocolloid dressing, was affixed onto all wounds immediately postoperatively. Clinical evaluations were performed for wound healing, wound infection, and cost-effectiveness.ResultsExcellent wound healing and cosmetic results were obtained in all patients. There was no incisional surgical site infection. Analysis of cost-effectiveness suggested Karayahesive® as superior to conventional gauze-and-tape dressings.ConclusionKarayahesive® fits with the modern concept of wound healing and is a useful dressing for neurosurgical wounds.