Comparison of Aquacel Ag Dressing Versus Standard Dressing in Donor Site of Split Thickness Skin Graft: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical results of Aquacel Ag dressing versus standard dressing within the given donor site of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) in patients, focusing on healing time, pain, scar quality, and persistent comfort. 
Study Design: Observational study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit, Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, DG Khan Medical college, DG Khan from August 2024 to March 2025. 
Methods: This observational study included 60 patients undergoing STSG, with age range of  10 to 60  years old, separated into two groups  Aquacel Ag (Group  A) and standard dressing with paraffin gauze  (Group  B). Results evaluated were epithelialization time, pain score (VAS), contamination rate, and scar quality. Information were analyzed utilizing SPSS; p-value  0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Aquacel Ag gather had altogether shorter healing time (mean 10.2 ± 2.1 days vs. 13.6 ± 2.4 days, p = 0.001), lower pain scores, less diseases, and moved forward scar quality compared to the standard dressing group. 
Conclusion: Aquacel Ag dressing quickens healing, decreases pain. and upgrades understanding of quick healing  making it a predominant choice for STSG donor site wound.