OpSite* Post-Op Introduction

REACTIC*

OpSite* Post-Op Introduction

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only.


OpSite* Post-Op is a revolutionary post-operative dressing combining a high Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) film and the cushioning and absorbency of a low adherent pad together with an easy application carrier system. The hydrophilic polyurethane film on OpSite Post-Op has REACTIC* properties that 'switch on' in the presence of moisture allowing any excess to transpire into the atmosphere.

Opsite Post Op meets the criteria for an Ideal Wound Dressing. For more information click here.

Opsite Post-Op also offers the following advantages:

  • Bacterial barrier
    Protects the site against extrinsic contamination, reducing the risk of infection by bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA).
  • Waterproof film
    Patient can shower with the dressing in situ.
  • Low allergy adhesive
    A unique grid pattern adhesive minimising the risk of an allergic response.
  • Highly absorbent pad
    Rapidly absorbs serous exudate. Allows lateral spread across the pad to maximise absorbency and reduce the risk of skin maceration.
  • Low adherence
    The wound contact layer enables exudate to pass through to allow minimal trauma on removal.
  • Conformable and extensible film
    Comfortable and non obtrusive for the patient. May help to reduce occurrence of skin blistering in joint surgery.
  • High MVTR
    The REACTIC* film has a unique molecular structure with an MVTR of approximately 11000g/m 2 /24hr, making it significantly more permeable to water vapour than ordinary films in the presence of moisture.

Opsite* Post Op

  • Round corners/thin film
    Reduces occurrence of lifting or snag, helping the dressing to stay in place for longer.
  • Helps to prevent skin blistering
    Opsite Post Op may help to prevent post-operative blistering in joint surgery.

Click below for more detailed product information.

Product Information >

Instructions for Use >

Post-Op FAQ

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only.



  • What sort of wounds should OpSite* Post-Op dressings be used to dress?
    Post-operative wounds, lacerations, cuts, abrasions, minor burns, wounds where levels of exudate are low/moderate.

Pack shot of Opsite* Post Op

  • Is OpSite Post-Op a waterproof dressing?
    Yes, OpSite Post-Op dressings are completely waterproof, and the patient can shower whilst wearing them.
  • Does Opsite Post-Op dressings form a bacterial barrier?
    Yes, the top layer of the dressing is a transparent film which is totally impervious to bacteria, though highly permeable to oxygen. By preventing bacterial contamination, the risk of secondary infection is significantly reduced. Recent studies have shown that the film acts as a barrier to bacteria including MRSA. Click here for more information.
  • Is it conformable?
    Yes, OpSite Post-Op's soft film backing and flexible absorbent pad conform exactly to the skin's contours to aid patient comfort.
  • Is OpSite Post-Op absorbent?
    Yes, it has a highly absorbent pad which virtually eliminates strike-through where levels of exudate are low to medium.
  • How often does an OpSite Post-Op dressing need to be changed? On average, OpSite Post-Op stays in place at least twice as long as a non-woven dressing. The dressing should be changed if strike through or leaking of exudate occurs, or if the dressing lifts allowing access to bacteria and water. Time between dressing changes may be dependent upon your hospital protocol.
  • Will OpSite Post-Op adhere to the skin of even feverish patients, or patients in hot, humid environments?
    Yes, the patented film of OpSite Post-Op is moisture responsive, reacting to changing skin conditions to 'switch on' in the presence of moisture and allow any excess to transpire off. The moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) is approximately 11000g/m 2/24hours at 37°C, so skin is kept dry which ensures that the dressing adheres securely, as well as helping to prevent bacterial colonisation which can flourish under moist conditions.
  • Is OpSite Post-Op easy to apply?
    Yes, it is applied in three easy stages: first, remove the backing papers. The patterned film carrier keeps the dressing stiff enough to prevent it from creasing or sticking to itself, but is thin enough to allow the dressing to conform during the second stage - smoothing the dressing onto the patient, aligning the pad with the wound. Third, peel off the patterned carrier and smooth the dressing into place.
  • Is there a risk of skin maceration?
    Due to the high MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) film, moisture on the skin's surface is transpired off, reducing the risk of skin maceration.
  • Can the dressing stand up to daily 'wear and tear'?
    Yes, due to the dressing's rounded corners and thin film the occurrence of lifting and 'snagging' is reduced. This also helps to reduce the risk of extrinsic bacteria migrating to the wound site resulting in fewer changes.

Opsite* Post op

  • Does removal of the dressing compromise wound integrity?
    No, wound integrity is not compromised upon dressing removal due to OpSite Post-Op's low adherent pad, thus minimising pain on removal.
  • Do all of these extra features and benefits make OpSite Post-Op expensive?
    No, good adhesive properties and high absorbency mean that the dressing stays in place at least twice as long as the average non-woven post-op dressing, and as a bacterial barrier with a highly permeable film which discourages bacterial colonisation, infection control is also addressed - leading to a highly cost effective wound management solution.


Post-Op Clinicals

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only.


There are numerous clinical papers which discuss the use of various types of post-operative dressings for a variety of indications. This clinical evidence demonstrates that Opsite Post-Op:

  • Protects the wound and helps to reduce the risk of infection by bacteria
  • Offers patient comfort - allows the patient to shower with the dressing in place
  • Meets the criteria for an ideal post-operative dressing

Abstracts from a selection of key clinical papers are outlined here. For full details of these or other clinical papers and case studies, please contact your local Smith & Nephew office.

Opsite* Post Op application to leg

Author Title Key word(s) Abstract

Cosker, TDA; Elsayed, S; Gupta, SK; Mendonca, AD; Tayton KJJ.

Choice of dressing has a major impact on blistering and healing outcomes in orthopaedic patients. Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Gwent; Journal of Wound Care Vol 14, No 1, January 2005

Wound dressing, Postoperative dressing, Orthopaedic wound,

Wound outcome

View abstract

View full paper (3MB)

Bhattacharyya, M; Bradley, H; Holder, S; Gerber, B.

A prospective investigation of tape blisters in arthroscopy wounds and patients'satisfaction. The importance of dressing selection. Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital, Lewisham, London; 2004

Bathe,

Tape blisters, Patient satisfaction,

Knee arthroscopy

View abstract

View full paper (2MB)

Jester, R et al.

A one hospital study of the effect of wound dressings and other related factors on skin blistering following total hip and knee arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing (2000) 4,71-77.

Skin blisters View abstract
Hewlett, L. The evaluation of two post-operative dressings in the management of surgical wounds. Poster presented by The Park Hospital, Nottingham, UK.

Treatment costs,

Blistering

View abstract
Scales, J.T. Development and Evaluation of a Porous Surgical Dressing British Medical Journal, Oct 27, 1956 View abstract

Post-Op Technology

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only.


The OpSite* Post-Op dressing consists of three components:

  1. A High MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) polyurethane film coated with a pattern spread acrylic adhesive
  2. An absorbent post-operative pad
  3. A wound contact layer


High MVTR Polyurethane film

The OpSite Post-Op film layer has a minimum MVTR value of 11000g/m 2/24hrs at 37°C in the presence of moisture.

Mode of Action

The Reactic* hydrophilic polyurethane film used on OpSite Post-Op 'switches on' in the presence of moisture to allow vapour to pass through the blocks of polymer that make up the film, and to transpire off into the environment. The low allergy acrylic adhesive is pattern spread, and because the full surface of the film is not coated with adhesive, this aids this process of fast transpiration of moisture - and also helps to minimise pain on removal. The switching action allows for faster evaporation of moisture and fluid (3-4 times faster than standard film dressings) from beneath the dressing, minimising the risk of skin maceration. The action is one-way, water and/or vapour from the outside environment will not pass back through the dressing.


Absorbent Post Operative pad

The Primapore* type post operative fleece is a viscose / polyester blend, enabling a high rate of absorption. It also aims to keep the patient as comfortable as possible through good conformability to the wound site, and acts as a layer of soft padding to further protect the wound.


Wound Contact Layer

The wound contact layer is made from a perforated polyester film which allows exudate and fluid to pass freely into the pad, thus minimising pooling and reducing the risk of further skin damage. It is low adherent, allowing the dressing to be freely removed from the wound site and so reducing the risk of tissue damage and pain.

Post-Op MRSA

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only.



What is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA)?

Staphyloccus aureaus which is resistant to an antibiotic called Methicillin is referred to as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.

Microscopic view of MRSA

MRSA can cause problems when it gets the opportunity to enter the body. This is more likely to happen in people who are already unwell. MRSA can infect wounds - accidental wounds such as grazes and deliberate wounds such as those made from a drip or during surgery.

In-vitro tests carried out under laboratory conditions have just confirmed that both Smith & Nephew's Opsite* Post-Op film and IV3000* dressings have passed a bacterial penetration test using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Dressing samples which had cultures of MRSA applied in the laboratory for at least 24 hours showed that the film did not allow the passage of MRSA.

Smith & Nephew Wound Management is committed to ensuring the proper protection of all IV and surgical sites through good practice and the provision of innovative healthcare solutions.