Evaluating the effect of medical honey and stapler on skin graft fixation in burn wounds: A Randomized clinical Trial

Background: One of the uses of honey is related to wound healing. A stapler normally connects the skin graft to the underlying tissue. Due to its high cost, lack of production in the country, and causing physical damage to the tissue, an alternative option is needed. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of using medical honey compared to staplers in attaching skin grafts to burn wounds in a burn center in the north of Iran. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 80 patients with deep second-degree and third-degree burns with TBSA< 40% were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: using honey for graft fixation and using a stapler. Demographic information and the percentage of burns were extracted from patients' files. The variables of graft rejection, number of hospitalization days, transplanted skin displacement, graft shrinkage, pain, edema, hematoma, itching, and infection after transplantation were investigated and recorded. Results: In this study, 80 patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40 people. There were 34 men (42.5%) and 46 women (57.5%). The mean age of the patients was 39.29 ± 15.42 years. A significant difference was observed in the mean number of hospitalization days after graft (P < 0.001), infection, hematoma, edema, pain, and itching (P < 0.001), which was less in the honey group. The graft shrinkage rate was lower in the stapler group (P < 0.001). Graft rejection was not observed in any group. Conclusion: The results show that the use of medical honey in the treatment of burn wounds, compared to staplers, reduces the duration of hospitalization and reduces adverse effects such as pain, itching, edema, hematoma, and infection. Also, the use of medical honey to connect the graft to the underlying tissue is efficient as routine treatment.