Role of hydrocolloid dressing in preventing face pressure ulcers from non‐invasive ventilation and facilitating postoperative wound healing in maxillofacial surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Facial pressure ulcers from non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and challenges in wound healing post-maxillofacial surgery are significant concerns in clinical care. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings in these contexts. From a pool of 1135 articles, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Hydrocolloid dressings demonstrated a significant reduction in facial pressure ulcers for NIV patients, with lower REEDA scores 1-week postapplication (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −16.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −24.26 to −9.15, p < 0.01). In maxillofacial surgery, patients treated with hydrocolloid dressings exhibited improved wound healing and reduced scar formation, evidenced by lower Manchester Scar Scale scores 3 months post-surgery (SMD = −15.46, 95% CI: −20.28 to −10.64, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that hydrocolloid dressings are effective in both preventing NIV-related facial pressure ulcers and enhancing wound healing in maxillofacial surgery.