Amputation stump management. A preliminary report on the use of shrink plastic film as a surgical dressing in amputation surgery.

This report describes the use of clear plastic bags on vinyl chloride-vinylidine chloride copolymer (also known as S Film) for the postoperative management of amputation stumps. The bags are shrunk to the stump by the application of heat and act as a primary dressing. Their use has been effective in controlling postoperative oedema and infection as well as giving the surgeon direct visual access to the stump without disturbing the wound. A case of a below-knee amputation managed by this method is described.