Background: Chronic and acute wounds pose significant challenges to healing and healthcare costs. Silver dressings are widely used for their antimicrobial properties, while bioactive placental gel has been proposed as a regenerative alternative. Limited comparative data exist between these modalities in the Indian context.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness, patient comfort, and cost-effectiveness of Silnet® silver wound dressing versus bioactive placental gel in clean acute and chronic wounds.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted at KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, Karnataka (July 2024–July 2025). A total of 120 patients were randomized into two groups: Silnet silver dressing (n=60) and bioactive placental gel (n=60). Primary outcomes included time to complete healing and percentage wound area reduction at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain scores (VAS), infection incidence, dressing frequency, hospital stay, and treatment costs.

Results: Patients in the Silnet group demonstrated significantly faster healing (mean 28.3 ± 7.2 days vs. 34.5 ± 8.1 days; p<0.01) and greater wound area reduction at 12 weeks (92% vs. 86%). Pain scores were lower in the Silnet group (VAS 3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 4.0 ± 1.3; p<0.05), with fewer dressing changes required (mean 15.2 vs. 22.4). Secondary infection occurred in 8.3% of Silnet patients compared to 13.3% with placental gel. Average hospital stay was shorter (7.5 vs. 10.2 days). Although the dressing cost was higher with Silnet (Rs 950 ± 50 vs. Rs 570 ± 90), the reduced frequency of dressing changes and shorter hospital stay translated into significantly lower overall treatment costs