Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Aquacel Ag surgical dressing on wound site infections and patient comfort in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 274 patients diagnosed with primary gonarthrosis, who underwent TKA at our clinic during 2016 and 2017. The Aquacel Ag surgical dressing was applied in 139 patients (Group 1), and a conventional gauze sponge was used in 135 patients (Group 2). Patient outcomes including the frequency of changing the dressing, pain due to dressing change, patient satisfaction, wound site infections, and formation of blisters were compared between the groups retrospectively.
Results: The formation of blisters (p=0.770) and superficial infections (p=0.500) were similar in both groups. The duration of hospital stay (p<0.001) and the number of dressing changes (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the conventional gauze dressing group. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher, and pain scores during dressing change were significantly lower, in the Aquacel Ag group (p<0.001 for both). Also, the number of patients who could take a shower during the first 3 days following surgery was significantly higher in the Aquacel Ag group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the Aquacel Ag surgical dressing significantly improved patient outcomes after the TKA surgery by decreasing postoperative complications and enhancing patient satisfaction.