Pain associated with an adherent polyurethane wound dressing.

Patient ratings of pain associated with autograft skin donor sites covered by an adherent polyurethane film dressing (Op-Site, Smith & Nephew) were collected using a modified Visual Analogue Scale. Analyses were undertaken to examine differences between pain levels under conditions of rest and activity, and with variations in application technique. It was found that with proper application and with at-rest patients, Op-Site-covered donor sites could be maintained relatively pain free. However, both specific conditions of application and increases in patient ambulation could result in the patient experiencing donor-site pain of an intensity comparable to concurrent burn-wound pain. To utilize fully their potential for pain control, the polyurethane film dressings must be appropriately applied and maintained, and their use coupled with an adequate analgesic regimen.