Silastic Sheeting: Understanding Its Uses and Benefits

Silastic sheeting is a flexible material made of silicone that is used to prevent adhesions from forming after surgical operations. The sheeting is used in the middle ear and in burn therapy.

History

• Silastic sheeting is essentially a synthetic skin that was developed in the 1970s by physician John Burke and chemist Ioannis Yannas to act as a replacement for skin in burn therapy, according to Medical Discoveries.

Burn Therapy

• Silastic sheeting acts as a framework for normal tissue to form during the healing process while preventing scarring from adhesions that commonly form after surgery or damage to tissue.

Middle Ear Surgery

• Silastic sheeting is also sometimes inserted into the middle ear after surgical repair of the eardrum, a procedure common to treat patients who suffer chronic ear infections that can damage the eardrum. After healing, the sheeting is removed.