Surgeon's practices and beliefs in Australia and New Zealand regarding the donor site wound for paediatric skin grafts

Abstract

Aim: Children's burns care in Australasia is performed by paediatric surgeons and by plastic surgeons. The aim was to determine practices regarding the donor site wound (DSW), and to explore any differences by training scheme or nature of unit (paediatric vs. mixed). Methods: Online survey of Australasian burns surgeons. Results: Forty surgeons responded. 23/40 paediatric surgeons, 23/40 worked in a stand-alone children's burns unit. All used powered dermatomes. Alginates were the most common DSW dressing. Idealised dressings favour patient factors over cost. Plastic, and mixed-practice, surgeons use a broader range of dermatome settings in children >1 year. Mixed practice surgeons use thicker settings. All surgeons see pain as a common DSW problem. Paediatric surgeons recognise itch as a problem. Conclusions: While there are differences related to training scheme and the mix of patients being treated, there is a broader commonality of practice.L20057985592020-08-11 <br />2021-05-31 <br />