Does Warmed Saline Irrigation Improve Comfort During Dressing Changes After Digit Replantation? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective:

Dressing changes after digit replantation can trigger pain, anxiety, and local wound cooling, yet the clinical impact of cleansing solution temperature remains unclear. This study evaluated whether warmed saline irrigation improves patient experience and physiological stability during wound care after digit replantation.

Approach:

In this single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 149 patients undergoing digit replantation were randomized to receive warmed or room-temperature saline irrigation during postoperative dressing changes. Primary outcomes were pain and digit temperature assessed before, during, and after dressing changes. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, comfort, complications, and digit survival. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle using linear mixed-effects models. Reporting adhered to CONSORT guidelines.

Results:

Compared with room-temperature saline, warmed saline significantly reduced pain and anxiety and improved patient comfort over time (all p < 0.001). Warmed saline maintained peri-wound temperature during dressing changes, whereas room-temperature saline induced transient cooling. No between-group differences were observed in complication rates, C-reactive protein, or digit survival. Clinically meaningful improvements in pain, anxiety, and comfort were more frequent in the warmed-saline group. Exploratory analyses suggested greater benefit in younger patients and during colder seasons.

Innovation:

This trial provides preliminary randomized evidence in a microsurgical population demonstrating that warmed saline irrigation, a simple and low-cost modification, can improve patient-reported outcomes without compromising safety.

Conclusion:

Warmed saline irrigation offers a safe and practical strategy to enhance comfort and reduce distress during wound care after digit replantation. These findings highlight thermal management as an underutilized, patient-centered component of postoperative care and support its integration into routine practice.