Semi-permeable film dressings are an appropriate interactive dressing to manage surgical wounds healing by primary intention, with little or no exudate. NICE does not provide guidance on when it is appropriate to leave a wound without a dressing but states "a patient can shower after 48 hours".

It is generally considered best practice to cover all surgical incisions post-procedure and, when practical, this should involve low adherence, transparent polyurethane dressings, which protect the wound and give the opportunity to check the surgical incision site for any signs of wound infection without having to disturb the dressing itself. These dressings can be left in place for between 3 and 5 days, during which time the epithelialisation process may be completed in a wound healing by primary intention.

Dressings should incorporate an integral central pad of absorbent material (island dressings) if oozing of fluid (blood or exudate) from the incision site is anticipated in the immediate postoperative phase. These island dressings combine the advantages of transparent low-adherent polyurethane film dressings, while also having the ability to absorb small amounts of excess exudate, aiding the normal debridement process in the wound and help to prevent any adverse effect on healing caused by surface cooling, for example.

Reference: NICE NG125 Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment (April 2019)

Vapour-permeable films and membranes assist in providing a moist wound bed and protect fragile granulation tissue. They allow the passage of water vapour and oxygen but not of liquid water or micro-organisms and can allow observation of the wound without causing disturbance to the on-going healing process. They are suitable for low exuding wounds. These dressings can be used as a secondary dressing.

Vapour-permeable, adhesive film dressing (semi-permeable)

Hydrofilm

(Sterile, self-adhesive transparent wound dressing)

• 6 x 7cm (£0.25), 10 x 12.5cm (£0.46), 10 x 15cm (£0.58), 10 x 25cm (£0.90), 12 x 25cm (£0.95), 15 x 20cm (£1.07), 20 x 30cm (£1.77)

Indications

• Dry non infected wounds, retention of lines, fixation of secondary dressings, protection of intact skin, protection of skin against friction, protection of newly epithelialized wounds

Notes

1. Do not use in clinically infected, bleeding or highly exuding wounds
2. Change frequency / wear time = up to 7 days

Vapour-permeable, adhesive film dressing with adsorbent pad

Hydrofilm Plus

(Sterile, self-adhesive transparent wound dressing with absorbent pad)

• 5 x 7.2cm (£0.20), 9 x 10cm (£0.30), 9 x 15cm (£0.33), 10 x 20cm (£0.51), 10 x 25cm (£0.67), 10 x 30cm (£0.76)

Indications

• Postoperative wound treatment of slightly exudating wounds; as protection from secondary infections
• Sterile treatment of minor injuries

Notes

1. Change frequency / wear time = up to 5 days

OpSite Plus

(Transparent waterproof dressing with absorbent pad)

• 6.5 x 5cm (£0.35), 8.5 x 9.5cm (£0.97), 10 x 12cm (£1.32), 10 x 20cm (£2.22), 10 x 35cm (£3.67)

Indications

• Acute wounds e.g. lacerations, minor burns and postoperative wounds

Notes

1. Change frequency / wear time = up to 7 days

OpSite Post-Op

(Vapour-permeable adhesive film dressing with absorbent pad)

• 8.5 x 9.5cm, 8.5 x 15.5cm, 10 x 12cm, 10 x 20cm, 10 x 25cm, 10 x 30cm, 10 x 35cm

Indications

• Low to moderately exuding acute wounds such as postoperative wounds, cuts, minor burns, abrasions and lacerations

Notes

1. Change frequency / wear time = up to 7 days

Vapour-permeable, transparent, adhesive film dressing

IV3000

(Moisture-responsive transparent film dressing)

• 10cm x 12cm (central line) (£1.54), 9cm x 12cm (PICC line) (£1.59)

Indications

• For dressing central line, peripheral and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), plus epidural and paediatric catheters. Intended for use on intravenous or epidural sites

Notes

1. For all vascular access lines only use IV3000 to secure, as this dressing has a higher vapour permeability
2. Product of choice for PICC, Hickman, syringe driver and other IV access
3. Permeable to both water vapour and oxygen but impermeable to liquid
4. Does not absorb moisture
5. Do not use on open wounds
6. Change frequency/ wear time = up to 5 days